AESTHETIC CRITICISM: A BIBLICAL APPRAISAL OF WHAT IS (NOT) SACRED

Abstract

In his literary classic What Is Not Sacred, Laurenti Magesa alludes to a triadic empirical-transcendental-sacramental constituent of African spirituality. This manière d’être resonates with the biblical claim (Gen 1:31) that everything created is good. However, human relation with creation does not always guarantee sacramental and transcendental experiences. How then should creation be appropriately admired, understood, and embraced without tragic consequences? An aesthetic assessment of what is (not) sacred deserves due investigation.