Description

This book explores the different ways that people throughout history have defined particular places and spaces as "sacred." All religious traditions share the goal of defining sacred places and sacred spaces. Yet very little literature exists that compares and contrasts the way the world's religions define sacred spaces and sacred places. Adopting a comparative approach informed by history and by recent writings, this book sheds new light on these issues. Considering both western and non-western traditions (including aboriginal peoples'), this book explores scriptural definitions of the sacred, as well as discussing selected literary descriptions of Heaven and Hell. The book also considers the "sacred space" of music and addresses such topics as sacred-space tourism. Finally, the book invites readers to explore the sacred in their own lives. A glossary of terms and extensive reading list complement the text. Aimed at a general reader or armchair traveler, yet also suited for religious education courses, this book will be of interest to all those interested in multi-faith and interfaith perspectives on sacred spaces and sacred places.