Question

Maria and Steve are on summer vacation in Greece. They want to go into an old church to view the artwork inside, but before they are allowed to enter the church, a volunteer church worker asks them both to cover their bare legs and arms and provides them with coverings. This example illustrates how:

Answer 1

Answer: Places considered sacred are often protected and set apart from what is considered profane.

Explanation: Maria and Steve were on summer vacation in a place where was new to them. While they saw the church with artistic eyes only, there's a history, cultural norms and values shared by believers inside that culture. In biblical times, for example, it was not everyone who could enter holy places. Nowadays, the separation between the sacred and the profane is still very important. For instance, some religions still expect people to cover their heads or take off their shoes before entering temples or worship centers.