Archaeologists excavate an ancient society and find many objects that appear to be for sacred rituals. The objects are shaped as different animals. Which of the following terms would likely be used to describe this civilization's religion.

• A. Monotheistic.
• B. Polytheistic.
• C. Animistic.
• D. Ethical.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms related to types of religions. Monotheistic religions believe in a single god, polytheistic religions believe in multiple gods, animistic religions attribute spiritual essence to animals, plants, and objects, and ethical religions focus primarily on moral principles rather than deities.
2. Step 2: Analyze the description of the objects found by the archaeologists. The objects are shaped as different animals and appear to be used in sacred rituals, which suggests a spiritual significance attached to animals.
3. Step 3: Connect the significance of animals in the artifacts to the concept of animism, which is the belief that animals, plants, and other natural objects have spirits or souls.
4. Step 4: Compare this with other options: monotheistic and polytheistic religions focus on gods rather than animals, and ethical religions emphasize moral codes rather than spiritual objects.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the term 'animistic' best fits the description of a religion that involves sacred animal-shaped objects, indicating a belief in spiritual qualities of animals.