The Necessity of Demonstrating Respect for the Sacred. An Attempt at Justification

• Main Author: Andrzej Derdziuk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Polskie Towarzystwo Retoryczne/ Polish Rhetoric Society 2017-07-01
• Series: Res Rhetorica
• Online Access: http://resrhetorica.com/index.php/RR/article/view/214

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 expressing and promoting love.