Complete 10 page APA formatted essay: History of Religion: Regulations Throughout the History.Anthropocentrism is the exact opposite belief. It postulates that humans are the center of the universe an

Complete 10 page APA formatted essay: History of Religion: Regulations Throughout the History.

Anthropocentrism is the exact opposite belief. It postulates that humans are the center of the universe and that just by being humans they are set apart from the rest of nature’s creatures. In fact, it suggests that humans are superior beings and everything in nature is present to serve them and cater to their needs. This is pretty much the view of most Western religions.

Interestingly enough, it is precise because of anthropocentric ideas that capitalism economy thrives. To believe that everything in nature is subservient to humans causes us to exploit as much of nature and its resources as we can for our own benefit. Thus, anthropocentric beliefs fit very well with a capitalist economy. it convinces humans that they are well within their rights to manipulate everything in nature for their own use and ease. It is, perhaps, part of the reason why the level of energy consumption is the highest in the USA, where most residents believe in the anthropocentric worldview. The animistic beliefs, however, do not fit that well with a capitalistic economy. According to this view, all of nature is on equal footing with one another, which, in turn, necessitates that humans respect everything nature has to offer them as much as they respect one another. Such views make it hard for a capitalist economy to thrive, as there will not be enough mass production and mass utilization of natural resources to make it viable, which, of course, means that such beliefs necessitate energy consumption to be as conscientious as possible.

I feel closer towards animistic beliefs than anthropocentric, for example, for me we are well within our rights to slaughter an animal to feed ourselves, however, we need to do it with a certain amount of respect, affording the animal some dignity in its death. That is one of the reasons why I choose to eat free-range farm products, because the animals in a traditional farm are afforded respect, even in their slaughter.