Which belief system incorporates the concepts of rebirth and karma while also asserting that all objects have souls?

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Study for the University of Central Florida (UCF) WOH2012 World Civilization I Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each equipped with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare to excel in your exam!

Jainism is the belief system that incorporates the concepts of rebirth and karma while asserting that all objects have souls. This philosophy emphasizes the important principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, towards all living beings, which extends even to the belief that inanimate objects possess a type of soul or life force.

In Jainism, the cycle of rebirth is influenced by karma, the moral law of cause and effect, emphasizing that actions have consequences that affect future incarnations. This understanding of karma is central to Jain practice, guiding adherents in their behavior to avoid harm to any form of life, including the smallest organisms.

Contrasting belief systems may share some similar concepts but do not encompass all components of Jainism. For instance, Hinduism includes rebirth and karma, but its view on the soul of inanimate objects is not as explicitly articulated. Buddhism also teaches about rebirth and karma but does not involve the idea of all objects having souls in the same way. Confucianism primarily focuses on ethics and social harmony and does not incorporate these spiritual concepts in its teachings.