Social Question

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

What are some non-humans spiritual beliefs?

Asked by RedDeerGuy1 (24986points) August 27th, 2023

Or is there any? Or a rudimentary belief system?
For example:

Chimpanzees get angry when award’s (grapes) are not consistent between the researcher and other chimpanzees. So non-humans can have a sense of fairness and justice.

What are some other examples?

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10 Answers

elbanditoroso's avatar

Lesser animals don’t have spiritual beliefs.

snowberry's avatar

My dog: Food is love; love is food. Feed Me!

Zaku's avatar

Fairness and justice aren’t spiritual concepts, per se.

But for those types of things, many animals (both in and out of relationships with humans) do work on social contracts and expectations, try to reinforce them, and get upset when they’re not reliable.

Actual spiritual topics will probably require a breakthrough in language communication with an animal species. There are some behaviors around deaths, however, that might hint at a connection with the dead, or at least grieving.

LadyMarissa's avatar

I don’t think that they understand “fairness & justice” as it’s more like GREED!!!

Zaku's avatar

@LadyMarissa Well every animal is different. Some have a fairly consistent notion of might makes right, or conflict avoidance, or letting their fawn get some food, or staying out of trouble with the human, or whatever.

smudges's avatar

^^ I think she was referring specifically to the chimps and grapes, but she can speak for herself if she wishes. Personally, I think chimps have anger issues.

cookieman's avatar

Like @snowberry said, my dog worships at the altar of the almighty chicken (preferable rotisserie roasted).

zenvelo's avatar

Non human animals have a much more sophisticated spiritual system than humans, because they are inherently connected to the spiritual force of the cosmos.

When people anthropomorphize animal behaviors, what they are really recognizing is the animal’s connection to universal spirit that some call God.

Forever_Free's avatar

I have heard Mantises Pray that I don’t step on them.

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