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Essay / Religion, theology and the concept of the sacred
Religion and theologyThe concept of the sacred raises a series of difficult questions. The complexity is further compounded by the different conceptions of sacredness across cultures (Hubert 1994). Sacredness is not an isolated quality but forms a network of interconnectivity that links all the components of the earth. It is not considered an abstract concept but an all-encompassing sphere of experiential existence that spans the entire universe (Furtwangler 2011). The simple fact that all organisms, living and non-living, are interconnected brings them together in a sacred bond that cannot be broken. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay. The words in the letter were said to have been spoken by Chief Seattle, a Suquamish and Duwamish dialect leader who lived for about a year. 1786 to 1866. A luminary among his people, he played a central role in determining how this portion of the Native American tribes responded to immigrant settlers seeking to settle new lands. The context of said speech remained contested. One source claims that the speech was said to have been given on the occasion of a visit by the first governor of the Washington Territory, Isaac Stevens, and was intended to be a response to President Pierce's letter expressing his intention to purchase partially occupied lands by the Suquamish and the Duwamish for the settlement of the newcomers. migrants. The words of the speech have profound implications, especially in the context of today's resounding call for environmental protection and preservation. The speech presents a paradigm, a philosophy of the inherent interconnectivity and therefore value in each component of the Earth. Such ideals have informed calls for ecological protection among a wide range of environmental advocates. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The concept that no part of the universe exists on its own but that all exist in a web of complex interrelationships is the one that prevails among the largest proportion of indigenous peoples. The belief that humans are not the center but simply a part of this network is sobering in the context of the current state of environmental degradation. He who destroys part of the web destroys himself, declares the creed. Well, to the modern reader who prides himself on insight and sophistication, the language of the speech may seem too flowery and meaningless, but his philosophy is very relevant in today's times. References: Hubert, J. (1994). Sacred beliefs and sacred beliefs. Sacred sites, sacred places. Furtwangler, A. (2011). Responding to Chief Seattle. University of Washington Press.