Religion and Theology The concept of sacredness raises a barrage of difficult questions. The complexity is further compounded by different views of sacredness across cultures (Hubert 1994). Sacredness is not an isolated quality but forms a network of interconnectivity that binds together all the components of the earth. It is not seen as an abstract concept but as an all-encompassing sphere of experiential existence that encompasses the entire universe (Furtwangler 2011). The simple fact that all organisms, both living and non-living, are interconnected unites them in a sacred bond that cannot be broken. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The words in the letter are claimed to have been spoken by Chief Seattle, a chief of the Suquamish and Duwamish dialects who lived around the year 1786 to 1866. A luminary among his people, he played a vital role in bringing about the how this section of Native American tribes reacted to immigrant settlers seeking new lands to settle. The context of the said speech has remained disputed. One source claims that the speech was given on the occasion of the visit of the first governor of the Washington Territory Isaac Stevens and was supposed to be a response to President Pierce's letter expressing his intention to purchase land partly occupied by the Suquamish and Duwamish for the settlement of new arrivals. migrants. The words of the speech have profound implications especially in the context of the current resounding call for environmental protection and preservation. The discourse presents a paradigm, a philosophy of intrinsic interconnectivity and therefore value in every component of the earth. Such ideals have informed calls for ecological protection from a broad spectrum of environmentalists. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The concept that no part of the universe exists alone but that all exist in a web of complex interrelationships is prevalent among most indigenous peoples. The belief that humans are not the center but only a part of this network is quite disappointing in the context of the prevailing state of environmental degradation. Whoever destroys part of the network destroys himself, the creed declares. Well, to the modern reader who boasts intuition and sophistication, the language of the speech may appear too florid and vacuous, but his philosophy is very relevant today. References: Hubert, J. (1994). Sacred beliefs and beliefs of sacredness. Holy places, sacred places. Furtwangler, A. (2011). Reports to Chief Seattle. University of Washington Press.