Worldview

Worldview

The Khongso had an animistic belief in monotheism. Very often, but not always, their worldview transcends the secular-sacred distinction, which is so much a part of modern philosophy. It may be one at the same time sacred and secular. It is pre-occupied with God, spirits and ghosts, but it is patently anthropocentric in most cases. It cements this world and the other world together in a single system.

They live in a world in which supernatural beings and powers are very near. Often, however, there is some recognition of a high god who is far away and also concerned about humankind. The past is very important to the animist whereas the future tends to be of shorter duration and less important. Nature’s spirits are to be found anywhere, in rivers, in trees, in hills, in rocks and other natural phenomena.

The document’s phrasing shows that the Khongso religious worldview joined sacred and secular life into one system rather than treating them as separate spheres. It also emphasizes the nearness of supernatural beings, the presence of spirits in nature, and the importance of lived ritual response to hardship, illness, and uncertainty.