Discussing
Sacrificing the Sacred: In Memory of the Pioneer Cabin Tree

The Pioneer Cabin Tree, now fallen, was an odd blend of the sacred and the sacrilegious.

Beautiful and moving reflection, Tracey. Thanks for sharing.

This story was a blessing to me. It reminds me of what's important. God blesses us with so much that is sacred, that we take for granted.

Hi Tracey,

I am interested in probing a bit further to better understand where you are coming from. A couple questions:

1) What is your working definition of "sacred"?
2) Based on this definition, is all of creation sacred, or just the parts we are particularly struck by? Leading to: Is a cricket sacred too, or not so much as tall old trees?
3) What is your working definition of "holy" or "holiness"?
4) Based on this definition, is creation holy?
5) What is your working definition of "desecrate"? How might you differentiate between desecration and use?
6) Based on this definition, are all gift shops and parking lots a desecration? If not, how might we know the difference between those that are a desecration and those that aren't?

Thanks for your consideration of these questions.

Thank you Tracey for an emotionally evocative piece. And thank you Eric for some very perceptive and very important questions as we try to think through the Christian's proper response to nature and environmental issues.