The Australian Aboriginals engages in indigenous religious practices that are original to the inhabitants of the region that is occupied by the current Australian state. Several observers have, at times, mistakenly regarded the religion of the Australian Aboriginals as being animism or atheism. This is because, according to these observers, the worshippers references God much rarely as compared to the present-day’s religious practices. On the contrary, these worshippers do not idolize skies, rivers, or rocks as the animists do. Rather, they consider these places as dwelling places of important spirits that control nature (Philip, 2007). They presume these spirits to be intercessors who mediate between human beings and an all-powerful God. Fundamentally, the religious practices of the Australian Aboriginals define the correct manner of the relationship amongst humans, and their interaction with the natural as well as spiritual worlds. Religious precepts are conveyed in oral traditions that are deemed to be sacred. They are safeguarded by religious leaders who also lead ritual performances in forms of music and dancing. In some instances, intensive education precedes the rites of passage of these roles to new leaders (Graham, 2000).
The Importance of the Aboriginals’ Beliefs
These religious practices play a significant role in the lives of the Australian Aboriginals. For instance, the rituals that accompany any religious activity are religious as well as cultural observances that commemorate events with deep spiritual significance to the Aboriginals. They are, therefore, the meaningful practices that reinforce crucial religious beliefs thereby bringing joy and comfort. In effect, this strengthens the integrity of those who follow the teachings of this religion. Unlike today’s religions, the Australian Aboriginals’ religious rituals are often associated with events such as birth, marriage, and death; as well as planting and harvesting (Stephen, 2000).
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The Status of Immortal Beings in the Australian Aboriginals’ Religious Practices
This religion is founded on the belief in a supernatural being. The followers believe that one supernatural being was the creator of the universe. Just like the monotheistic faiths, the Aboriginals’ indigenous religion is based on the assumption that God is the creator, sustainer, ruler, and the provider of everything. He is considered to be omnipotent, omniscient, and facilitator of divine justice. The native faith teaches that for a person to know God, he/she must observe all religious precepts with complete devotion. It’s worth noting that, some of these similarities can, indeed, facilitate harmonious co-existence between the Australian Aboriginals and the rest of the society (Philip, 2007).
Conclusion
It is evident that the Australian Aboriginals’ fundamental beliefs are not in opposition with those of the Christians and the Muslims as it is commonly assumed. For instance, spirits are central in the Australian Aboriginals’ religion as they are in Christianity and Islam. Just like other major religions, the Aboriginals believe of the existence of two types of spirits. For people to realize the blessings of the good spirits, they are required to act appropriately, and this implies the performance rituals in time and behaving in a manner that is within the moral guidelines of a society. Whenever a person fails to observe these guidelines, good spirits withdraw the blessings and protection. In this case, the rest of the society would find it easy to interact and associate with the Aboriginals only if they understood that their fundamental beliefs and practices are not so different from theirs (Ann & Martin, 2005).
