The Paradox of Sacred and Profane Shared Space

Abstract

Sacred space and profane space are not mutually exclusive. Cognitive science has proven clear, distinct boundaries are not realized between existential categories. The reality of life space is the sacred and profane may exist in the same space with one taking precedence over the other. A space may become sacred to accommodate a sacred action limited to a particular temporal moment even with the profane present. In this way, sacred space becomes utility based for life focused outcomes. This paper explores the reality of the sacred and the profane occupying the same space. Primary examples are taken from 2 Kings 4:32-35 and 1 Kings 17:19-23 in which death (profane) is at the spatial forefront confronting prophetic power (sacred); and 2 Kings 5:9-17 in the story of Naaman confronted with the dirty Jordan river (profane) and divine healing (sacred). In the one case, the profane space is permanently transformed by sacredness. In the other space, the sacred act is momentary, and the profanity of the space remains constant.