For decades, theologians have been listening to deliver homilies in pulpits and one has read in their books many explanations regarding the origins of words and expressions used in the ecclesiastical context, from Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and even Latin. Convinced, many approach the origin of the term “religion” as from “religare”, that which connects and unites the human with the Divine. However, a native speaker of Italian and an in-depth knowledge of Latin points to another word with different meaning for the origin of the term “religion”.

According to the philosopher Giorgio Agamben, “religion” derives from “relegere” and not from “religare”. Just as “no one will be able to see the face of God” and come out alive, according to the Mosaic warning, for Agamben religion keeps these actors distinctly in their own spheres. It is up to human beings to recognize their sinful condition, disabling them from adjusting to the same level as Divinity, thus avoiding profanation, that is, the neglect of the misuse of sacred prerogatives, given their finiteness and mortality.

To understand desecration as the return to free use by men of things in the sacred sphere, it is enough to understand and understand the logic of the games. Most of them strengthened the links between full entertainment and ancient sacred ceremonies. As an example, the ball game, whose symbolism indicates the myth of ancient ceremonies reproducing the battle between the gods for possession of the Sun. The arena, or modern stadiums, figuratively represent ancient places of worship, or temples, in which the worshipers are the current fans.

Given this, two interpretations can be considered for the relationships between the Infinite and Eternal Creator and his creatures within the scope of the Church. According to theologians and pastors, “religare” explains the actions of Jesus’ sacrifice and the constant manifestation of the Holy Spirit on Earth. The “relegere” determines the position of humanity before Divinity, the sense of limit and respect in relation to what is appropriate for it to execute or not. And this is expressed very well through the Decalogue.

Jesus’ life, death and resurrection reconnected humanity to the Maker. However, the final act of the redemptive plan will determine the limit between God’s mercy and human boldness in challenging Him, preferring the existence of rebellion and sin, and despising a life of love and joy. The real meaning of the term should not influence individual decision-making. What matters is the salvation extended by Jesus. It is up to each person to reject or accept.

Ruben Dargã Holdorf, Comm.Se.D