What is sacred
Definition of sacred
1a: dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a
deity
a tree sacred to the gods
b: devoted exclusively to one service or use (as of a person
or purpose)
a fund sacred to charity
2a: worthy of religious veneration : HOLY
b: entitled to reverence and respect
3: of or relating to religion : not secular or profane
sacred music
Sacred describes something that is dedicated or set apart
for the service or worship of a deity;[1] considered worthy of spiritual
respect or devotion; or inspires awe or reverence among believers. The property
is often ascribed to objects (a "sacred artifact" that is venerated
and blessed), or places ("sacred ground").
French sociologist Émile Durkheim considered the dichotomy
between the sacred and the profane to be the central characteristic of
religion: "religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative
to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden." In
Durkheim's theory, the sacred represents the interests of the group, especially
unity, which are embodied in sacred group symbols, or totems. The profane, on
the other hand, involve mundane individual concerns.
terms sacred and holy, which are also sometimes us ed interchangeably, there are subtle
differences. Holiness is generally the
term used in relation to persons and relationship, whereas sacredness is used
in relation to objects, places, or happenings. Thus, a saint may be considered as holy, but
would not be viewed as sacred. Conversely, some things can be both holy and
sacred, such as the Holy Bible.
The Sutras of Buddhist beliefs
The Vedas of Hindu beliefs
The Quran and Hadith of Islam
Talmud and Midrash
