Exploring the Sacred in human relations

Exploring the Sacred in human relations

by Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Religion & Beliefs QRReligion and beliefsQRVKSpirituality and religious experience
🎙 Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge 👥 4K 📅 July 9, 2026 ⏱ 92 min 👁 58 📄 debate 🧭 2026-08-15
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

sacredinterfaithstorytellingshared valuesspirituality

Summary

This panel discussion, hosted by the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, explores the concept of the sacred in human relations and its potential to build a better future. The panel, chaired by Farah Jassat, includes scholars from Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Buddhist traditions, as well as a former secretary general of Religions for Peace. They discuss the elusive nature of the sacred, its fluidity across religious boundaries, and the importance of lived experience over abstract definitions. The conversation highlights the role of storytelling in creating a shared sense of the sacred, while acknowledging the risks of ‘shared values’ rhetoric. The panelists also address the privatization of sacred language in public life and the potential of art and music to bridge divides. The discussion is based on the book ‘Retelling Sacred Stories’, which features contributions from nine traditions. The event concludes with audience questions on engaging secular humanists and cultivating grassroots connections.

154 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The panel provides a rich, multi-perspective exploration of the sacred, drawing on personal experience and scholarly expertise. The argumentation is nuanced, acknowledging the complexity and elusiveness of the concept. The discussion on storytelling as a means to foster shared sacred narratives is particularly insightful, offering a practical approach to interfaith dialogue. The panelists effectively challenge simplistic binaries and emphasize the importance of lived experience and reciprocity.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The discussion is grounded in the book ‘Retelling Sacred Stories’, which is a collaborative effort of scholars from nine traditions. The panelists are credible experts in their fields. The title accurately reflects the content, and the event is well-structured with clear chapters. No external sources are cited in the video, but the book itself serves as a substantial reference. The discussion maintains a high level of academic rigor.

149 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which explores the concept of the sacred in human relations through a panel discussion.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

Panel of established scholars from diverse religious traditions, hosted by a university faculty, with structured discussion and references to a published book. High credibility, though no external sources cited in the video.

Chapters

Cited Sources

  • Retelling Sacred Stories — The book that inspired the panel discussion, featuring contributions from nine religious traditions.

Concurring Sources

  • Retelling Sacred Stories — The book itself, which aligns with the panel's themes.

Contribution & Novelties

The video offers a unique interdisciplinary dialogue on the sacred, bringing together scholars from diverse traditions to discuss a shared concept. It provides a model for interfaith engagement that emphasizes storytelling and lived experience. The discussion on the privatization of sacred language in public life is particularly thought-provoking.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • The Sacred and the Profane — Mircea Eliade’s classic work on the nature of the sacred.
  • Interfaith dialogue — Overview of interfaith dialogue and its challenges.
  • Narrative identity — Concept of identity formed through storytelling, relevant to the discussion on shared sacred stories.

96 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in quality of information and global reliability, with moderate scores in quantity and technical level. This reflects a focused, expert-led discussion rather than a broad or highly technical presentation.

Reliability 8/10

💬 No comments were provided for analysis.