Supernatural

Definition

The supernatural refers to phenomena or entities that are believed to exist beyond the realm of natural, physical, or scientific understanding. It encompasses beliefs, experiences, and occurrences that are considered to be outside the bounds of the natural world and its laws. In the context of religion, the supernatural often involves the belief in divine, spiritual, or otherworldly forces that transcend the material universe and influence human affairs. This can include the existence of deities, spirits, angels, demons, or other non-physical entities that are thought to possess powers or abilities beyond those of ordinary human beings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The supernatural is often contrasted with the natural or mundane, and is associated with beliefs and experiences that are considered to be extraordinary, miraculous, or beyond the scope of scientific explanation.
2. Many religions incorporate supernatural elements, such as the existence of deities, spirits, or divine forces that intervene in human affairs, shape the natural world, or provide guidance and meaning to believers.
3. Supernatural beliefs and experiences can be deeply personal and subjective, and may be influenced by cultural, historical, and individual factors.
4. The study of the supernatural in anthropology often examines how beliefs and practices related to the supernatural are integrated into the worldviews and social structures of different cultures.
5. The supernatural can be a source of both comfort and fear, as it is often associated with the unknown, the mysterious, and the potentially powerful or dangerous.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of the supernatural is often contrasted with the natural or mundane in the context of religion.
  • In the context of religion, the supernatural is often seen as existing beyond the realm of the natural, physical world and its laws. The supernatural is associated with beliefs and experiences that are considered extraordinary, miraculous, or transcendent, such as the existence of deities, spirits, or divine forces that can intervene in human affairs or shape the natural world. This contrasts with the mundane, everyday aspects of the natural world, which are subject to the constraints and limitations of physical reality. The supernatural is often imbued with a sense of the sacred, the mysterious, and the potentially powerful or dangerous, setting it apart from the natural or ordinary.
• Describe how beliefs and practices related to the supernatural are integrated into the worldviews and social structures of different cultures.
  • The study of the supernatural in anthropology examines how beliefs and practices related to the supernatural are woven into the cultural, historical, and individual contexts of different societies. Supernatural beliefs and experiences can be deeply personal and subjective, but they are often shared and reinforced within a cultural framework. These beliefs may shape the way people understand and interact with the world around them, influencing their values, social structures, and decision-making processes. For example, the belief in spirits or divine forces that can influence the natural world may be reflected in rituals, taboos, or social hierarchies that are designed to appease or harness these supernatural powers. Anthropologists study how the supernatural is integrated into the broader worldview and social fabric of a culture, shedding light on the role it plays in shaping human experience and social organization.
• Analyze how the supernatural can be a source of both comfort and fear for individuals and communities, and the implications this has for understanding religious and cultural beliefs.
  • The supernatural can be a complex and multifaceted concept, evoking a range of emotions and responses from individuals and communities. On one hand, the supernatural can be a source of comfort, providing a sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to a higher power or spiritual realm that transcends the limitations of the physical world. Beliefs in divine intervention, protection, or guidance from supernatural entities can offer solace and reassurance in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties. However, the supernatural can also be a source of fear and trepidation, as it is often associated with the unknown, the mysterious, and the potentially powerful or dangerous. Beliefs in malevolent spirits, curses, or supernatural forces that can bring harm or misfortune can create anxiety and a sense of vulnerability. This duality of the supernatural, as both comforting and threatening, has important implications for understanding religious and cultural beliefs. It highlights how the supernatural can shape individual and collective experiences, influencing worldviews, social structures, and the ways in which people navigate the complexities of human existence. Analyzing these dynamics can provide valuable insights into the role of the supernatural in shaping the human experience across different cultural and historical contexts.

Related terms

Mysticism:

The belief in and pursuit of direct communion with the divine or ultimate reality through spiritual practices, intuition, and subjective experience, often involving the supernatural.

Animism: The belief that all things, including plants, animals, and inanimate objects, possess a spiritual essence or soul, and that these spiritual beings influence and interact with the natural world in supernatural ways.

Transcendence: The belief that the divine or supernatural realm exists beyond the physical, material world and is not bound by its limitations, often associated with the concept of the sacred.