Is the creation of sacred space important?

For many belief systems the creation of sacred space is important. Pagans cast circles and use sacred tools. The Orthodox Churches have temples gilded with gold. Islam has mosques where the word Allah is used to make beautiful patterns. Catholics cross themselves as they enter church. I grew up in a Baptist Church. Everyone dressed for Church and folks acted with reverence in the Sanctuary.

Recently my wife started looking for a new church. Many churches are in old store fronts, movie theaters, or resemble office parks. They have espresso bars. For $3 you can sip a latte during the service. Services are stacked on top of each other so you get herded in and out. People mill around noisily outside the auditorium. The music and plays are very polished. But, it seems like going to a show, and not an encounter with the sacred.

Is the post modern protestant church in the United States losing something important? Is creating sacred space an important part of your worship?

For myself creating my "sacred space" does not refer to any particular place or time. It is where I feel compeled to be to honor the Old Ones and to "pray" but not in the usual sense of the word. It can be near water,the woods,mountains,desert,my own backyard or even in my own home. For me "sacred space" is a place where I let my spirit go whenever I feel it is time.

yes

When I was investigating religions... there were a LOT that put on a good show... (I think just to get your money)... but they did not seem to be able to answer my serious questions...

I am now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ... (Mormon)... and we have sacred space inside our Temples that only those who try dilligently to live by the commandments may enter.... at least after the Temple is dedicated.... we offer tours prior to the dedication ceremonies.

Dear Pab,

I don't go to church. I guess the atmosphere should be a certain way. It depends what you want.

When Jesus went into the synagogues, he didn't complain too much about the decor. He DID complain about the hypocrisy he saw, however.

Can't help ya too much here...

Love, Jack

Sacred space is highly important. Space set aside for your personal time to deity is the key to healthy spiritualism.

Yes, the "churches" of this country are no longer sacred. People show up like sheep, stare blankly and feel nothing. Allthe churches care about is getting your money. America is spiritually dead, or dying.

Sacred space is important for me, not only as a circle cast to do ritual but also a place that I can go to find peace and serenity. It's a special place outside in my back yard for me.

I agree that the Churches today are more show than worship. I grew up christian and I remember my mother always saying we had to look nice, which meant wearing our "sunday best". As I got older, I noticed how people would look at others who couldn't afford the nice "sunday" clothes and just came to worship in jeans and a nice shirt. Some so-called believers would look down at them. I think that is when I started noticing more about the "facade" they liked to put on.

I'm not saying that all is like that, but most are. They've taken what is suppose to be sacred and turned into something theatrical.

It's only as important as you make it. Obviously organized religion doesn't deem it important.