In The Sacred and the Profane, Mircea Eliade analyzes one of the most controversial and emotional topics in existence—the significance of religion. Eliade takes a secular approach to exploring the significance of religion over time as well as its ties to both individual lives and entire cultures. He reveals the ways in which the ever-present topic has shaped the development of cultures and of the world. The similarities between ancient tribes in civilizations such as Rome and India, and religions dominating the world today are both striking but also manifest. Eliade uses the concepts of “hierophany,” “axis mundi,” and “imago mundi” to analyze various religious practices and the effects they have on society. The three major monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—of today all begin their …show more content…
In the Hebrew Bible passage in which King Solomon constructs a temple of the Lord, the word of God appears to Solomon—depicting the covenant made regarding the temple. The divine presence of Israel speaks to the King, “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes, obey my ordinances, and keep all my commandments by walking in them, then I will establish my promise with you, which I made to your father David. I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel” (1 Kings 6: 11). This excerpt can be viewed as one of the most important examples of hierophany in the entirety of the Torah. Not only does this passage confirm the sacred nature of the temple of Israel, but also that of the people of Israel. By establishing these specific guidelines in this agreement with Solomon, God shows his commitment to the citizens of Israel, the importance of the land, and the righteousness of those who follow his