2/8/12
Four axioms in the study of sacred place in Belden C. Lanes' book are thought provoking in that they delve deep into the true meaning of sacred place. The first axiom states that sacred place is not chosen it chooses. It is not always an obvious place such as a gorgeous view off the top of a mountain or finding a burning in the wilderness. Sometimes, like Lane describes in his story about the clearing in the woods, one must simply wait for the place to find them.
The second axiom says that sacred place is ordinary place, ritually made extraordinary. Sometimes people expect too much of a sacred place, often thinking that they will encounter God himself once they find this place. This makes them rather disappointed when the find nothing. However sacred place can be any ordinary location made extraordinary such as by legend or previous experience by others. One can experience something simple but something that makes an impact on them in a specific place that makes this once ordinary place sacred to that individual.
A third axiom listed in Lanes' book suggests that sacred place can be tred upon without being entered. One can be walking through a sacred place known by others and not know themselves that the place is sacred. Without knowledge or a personal experience within a location that place would not be acknowledged as being sacred by the person passing through it. Sacred place makes itself known to those willing and ready to accept it.
The fourth and final axiom states that the impulse of sacred place is both centripetal and centrifugal, local and universal. One wants to encounter the sacred in a centered place, a place of security and stability. However, God is never in one location He is everywhere at the same time so we all can reach Him equally.
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