Actually HappyCats, personally I am an animist too. The life force, spirit and soul of the Godforce flows throughout all that exists from the ground we walk upon to the stars in the night sky. These people worship various aspects of the Godhead, there is nothing 'wrong' about that.
The Unified Theory of modern day physics supports that there is a continuous connection throughout existence. So true, the consciousness is what connects, and dependent upon the development of that consciousness is one's ability to "hear the small voice within".
The Buddhist philosophy is very strong on the importance of reducing one's ego as this is what causes separation from the connection to source. This is done primarily through the art of meditation and practicing of mindfulness, observing oneself. These practices enable a greater sensitivity towards the "small voice within".
In the Old Testament and the Koran we are told that 'pride cometh before a fall'.
We are all connected to the source of consciousness to varying degrees dependent on one's aptitudes, refinement and sensitivity. In a small way we are God, but as drops in the ocean of consciousness rather than the ocean itself. We are not the Absolute who is unknowable, nor do we control or influence the ground rules, which were established long before we came into existence as the human race. These ground rules remain eternal and unchanging unlike the laws of men.
Communism enforces non-belief in gods of any description, it is a purely materialist philosophy established by the cold hearted for the benefit of the few. It is no surprise that the enforcers, such as Kim Il Song, encourage the replacement of deity towards themselves. The same occurred in the USSR, but as soon as the dictators fall the religions rise up once again.
