Lane's first axiom on sacred spaces states, "sacred place is not chosen, it chooses" (19). What makes a place choose? What makes it different from every other non sacred place? How is it made clear that the place has chosen? Lane said that "God chooses to reveal himself only where he wills". But just because something is revealed, doesn't mean it will be recognized and accepted by the one viewing it. There is a reciprocity between the revealed and the viewer. This is shown in Lane's third axiom, "sacred place can be tred upon without entering" (19). Just because a place is sacred, doesn't mean everyone will view it as such, without actively participating with the place.
I have driven by and walked through a place in a park near my home many times. I'm almost always in a rush or thinking about something else, even though I'm aware of where I am. Until I a few monthes ago, I had never truly looked at where I was though. I wasn't looking to find meaning or solace from this place though, it was as if the place revealed itself to me by it's own choice. Yet, at the same time, I was still OPEN to seeing a deeper meaning in this place; I was allowing this place to influence my thoughts.
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