In Search of the Sacred: Contributions to An Answer

by Josef Pieper

This book is neither a deriding of the worldly "profane" nor a splitting up of reality into a supposedly unholy realm over against one which alone is consecrated to God. But something which threatens to be forgotten, to disappear from the memory of man is fixed upon namely, that in this world which is given us as our life's environment, not only does the striving to take care of our daily needs possess an obvious right, as well the marketplace, the economy, scholarly research etc.; but in their very midst there is something in the fullest sense beyond our daily "God's tent" among men, the sanctuary where, set off from the round of daily work, the bodily presence of the eternal Logos become man is honored and celebrated.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion

136 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1991

About the author

Josef Pieper was a German Catholic philosopher and an important figure in the resurgence of interest in the thought of Thomas Aquinas in early-to-mid 20th-century philosophy. Among his most notable works are The Four Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance; Leisure, the Basis of Culture; and Guide to Thomas Aquinas (published in England as Introduction to Thomas Aquinas).

Reviews

[Ross Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

These occasional pieces are characteristically punchy and incisive, and I appreciate the limpid clarity that Pieper brings to a discussion that is often marred by a terrible fuzziness.

[Maxwell Ladhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do we make sensible the gulf between our everyday world and the eternal, infinite Godhead? Pieper considers this concept of ‘otherness’ that defines our sense of the sacred, how it benefits us and why it must be preserved.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking into the topic of the "sacred", what makes things or places sacred, then this is probably a must read. For me, it was not that great of a read although it did give some food for thought. Pieper explores the term through his keen Thomist eye and then goes into what makes a Priest, what makes a Church and what makes the Sacrament - all in relation to the topic at hand. For me reading, it becomes sometimes more of a defense of Catholicism, but a bit unfairly so, thus making me be in somewhat disagreement with Pieper in what sense the sacred is important and where it has its role to play.

[FatherSwithin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent "contribution" toward an understanding of the sacred. The "desacralization" movement he addresses (starting in the 1960's) has now spread out to be a malaise that presses down on us today. The Christian community, in a misguided effort to "redeem" the movement, has now declared that "everything" is sacred, thus fulfilling the aims of the "desacralizers," in that, now, nothing is sacred. A true "Altar Call" for everyone.

[P · Rating 2 out of 5]

Communion and architecture and priests. Boring. Actually surprising when he quoted scripture instead of other authors. Whatever.

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated Pieper's tendency to defend religious tradition without resorting to dogmatic decrees. The book is a bit disjointed, being a collection of essays/talks, but overall, the contrast between sacred and profane is prevalent but appreciates both in their own way. I found that this was a good review of the past that remains open to a properly-guided future, offering a good critique of more "modern" and "progressive" trends in religious architecture and liturgy.