Two sacred worlds

Dr. Shinn explores these two sacred worlds: the personal, which results from the emotional attitudes aroused by an experience of sacred power; and the social, which originates in the processes of socialization composed of experiences in the home, religious institutions, and other influential groups. Using examples from three traditions- Hebrew religion, early Christianity, and monastic Buddhism- he examines the interdependence of personal and institutional forms of myth and ritual and the relation of personal and social religion to ethical interpretations and to dogma and theology.