Showing posts with label Space. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Space. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Applying Values through Sacred Space

This last post I will be posting on sacred space is about my values and how I can use the ideas of sacred space that I have already explored to apply my values in my life. I believe that everyone should be equal, and I have a strong belief in Christianity, making spirituality one of my values. I also believe that setting myself high goals; pushing myself to the limit is important in developing my character and values. I have pushed myself hard to do my best on this blog, evidence that I seek a certain level of perfection in my ventures. I believe that integrity is a very important part of who I am, keeping to my values of integrity and spirituality. But how can I apply the principle of sacred space to apply these values in my life? I can make a ‘sacred’ time where I read my bible, addressing my values of knowledge and spirituality, or strive to achieve a better grade in my school work. I believe that through praying and acknowledging my transgressions to God, can help me retain my integrity and character. I could make planning how to do an assignment a sacred time, where I focus on it. Finding a sacred space to apply your values is a very important part of being a human being, somewhere to live up to your values. I hope that this blog on Sacred Space will help people find their values and help them live up to them.


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Coventry Cathedral: Sacred Space?


Today, I will explore the Coventry Cathedral and determine whether it is sacred or profane. I have researched several resources (see below) and through the information I have gathered, I am able to describe how a holy sacred space is created through the decoration and architecture of the building. The Coventry Cathedral was constructed in the late 1300’s to early 1400’s and was elevated to cathedral status in 1918. In World War 2 the German Nazis bombed the English countryside with 74,000 thousand tonnes of explosives, destroying landmarks and industrial towns to demoralize the English people. The Coventry Cathedral was destroyed, with only a few walls remaining. Following this, the congregation and city built a more amazing cathedral next to the remains. I asked myself this question ‘why would they bother to rebuild the cathedral?’ The answer I found was that the cathedral was so sacred to the people that they need to rebuild it to continue their lives. The amazing tapestry of Jesus, and others, and sculptures in the cathedral create a special and respectable church making the cathedral sacred to the people. The incredible stained glass window wall would have taken many months to create, so why was it made. I think the answer is that the people are trying to connect to a greater power, someone holier than themselves, their God. The spire of the cathedral acts as an axis mundi, the place where earth and heaven connect. This awe-inspiring building, with its incredible architecture and decorations, is trying to connect the people with their God, and that makes this cathedral sacred.






Coventry Cathedral's web site
Coventry Cathedral on Wikipedia

Thursday, February 12, 2009

What Is Sacred Space?


What does sacred mean to me? I believe that something sacred is to be revered; to be respected. But where is it in my life and how can I identify it? I come from a Christian background so I have been brought up to think of church as a sacred space, and in the same way mosques and synagogues are sacred to their followers. But for someone without a religious belief sacred space could be when you are surfing, gardening or fishing, to name a few. Depending on your culture, your upbringing, your family and your life you will have a different understanding of what is sacred to you. Some sacred ceremonies or days for some people could be Anzac day, Christmas, Hanukkah or The Big Day Out. But something that I believe that we can all agree on is that something sacred is important, special and to be respected.

















These are all Sacred