Abstract

The article attempts to define the sacred as a symbol which is cognizable by the senses and which connects a human being with the divine reality. The sacred has two dimensions which indicate its ontological otherness and its integrating and standard-setting function. Separation of the sacred sphere from the public sphere renders the sacred to be worthy of respect and, at the same time, not to be subjected to any interference by unauthorized individuals and institutions. Taking care of the sacrum emphasizes the sublimity of this reality and provides for the respect towards those sharing the faith in the sacred. Preserving and promoting the significance of the sacred in human life aims at protecting spiritual sensitivity to good and beauty that motivates a human being to take noble actions and inspires him to adopt the attitudes characterized by love and service. The faith and the sacred sphere should be defended, above all, by the testimony given in words and actions, aimed at showing and justifying the rationality of the given deeds and service expressingand promoting love.

Highlights

  • The reality of the sacred is a gift to a human being because it gives him the chance of contact with God

  • The plane of the sacred in a given religious group distinguishes this group from other religions and forms of worship

  • A collection of what is holy is constitutive for a particular religious community. It calls for a certain behavior, necessary for the developing, safeguarding and defending the sacred sphere

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Summary

Introduction

The sacred constitutes a challenge for a human being, because it determines the scope of obligations arising from worship. The plane of the sacred in a given religious group distinguishes this group from other religions and forms of worship. It creates the identity of the group and calls to nurture and defend what is the most important to the community. A collection of what is holy is constitutive for a particular religious community. It calls for a certain behavior, necessary for the developing, safeguarding and defending the sacred sphere

An attempt to define the sacred
26. Poznań
Legitimate forms of defense of the sacred
Full Text
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