Sacrilege vs. Sacrilegious — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 23, 2024
Sacrilege refers to the act of violating something sacred, whereas sacrilegious describes an action or attitude that commits sacrilege.
Difference Between Sacrilege and Sacrilegious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sacrilege involves the mistreatment or misuse of sacred objects, sites, or ideas, directly impacting religious sentiments and practices. Whereas sacrilegious acts or attitudes show disrespect or irreverence toward what is considered sacred in various cultural or religious contexts. For example, the theft of a relic from a church constitutes sacrilege, while making derogatory remarks about sacred symbols is considered sacrilegious.
The term sacrilege can be applied to both physical and symbolic violations. Whereas sacrilegious is primarily used to describe behaviors or expressions that reflect an irreverent mindset.
Sacrilege often incurs social or legal repercussions, emphasizing its severity in violating communal ethical standards. On the other hand, being sacrilegious might lead to social ostracism or criticism, depending on the cultural or religious setting.
In literature and discourse, sacrilege is often discussed in the context of historical or notable incidents involving significant desecration. Whereas sacrilegious is used more broadly in everyday language to describe actions or attitudes that may not rise to historical significance but still offend religious or sacred principles.
Legal systems in various countries may define and punish acts of sacrilege explicitly. Whereas sacrilegious behavior, while frowned upon, often falls under broader categories of offenses like blasphemy or defamation, without specific legal consequences unless they escalate to sacrilege.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Act of violating or profaning something regarded as sacred.
Describes an action or attitude that is irreverent towards the sacred.
Usage
Noun (e.g., Committing a sacrilege)
Adjective (e.g., A sacrilegious act)
Consequences
Often incurs legal or social penalties.
May lead to social criticism but less likely to involve legal penalties.
Examples
Desecrating a holy site, stealing sacred objects.
Making irreverent jokes about religious figures or symbols.
Cultural Impact
Directly harms the physical integrity or dignity of a sacred element.
Indirectly undermines respect for sacred values or beliefs.
Compare with Definitions
Sacrilege
Disrespect to something regarded with reverence.
Using a religious scripture in an art piece was debated as sacrilege.
Sacrilegious
Behaving in a way that desecrates something revered.
The artist's work was criticized for being sacrilegious.
Sacrilege
A violation of something held sacred.
The theft of a sacred artifact was considered a sacrilege.
Sacrilegious
Showing disrespect to something sacred.
The film's depiction of the deity was seen as sacrilegious.
Sacrilege
An action that offends religious sensibility.
Selling church land for commercial purposes was seen as sacrilege.
Sacrilegious
Profaning what is held as sacred.
Her novel was condemned for its sacrilegious content.
Sacrilege
Misuse of something sacred for profane purposes.
The commercial use of a religious hymn was called sacrilege.
Sacrilegious
Irreverent toward sacred things.
Laughing during the solemn ceremony was sacrilegious.
Sacrilege
The act of profaning or desecrating a holy place or object.
Vandalism at the cathedral amounted to sacrilege.
Sacrilegious
Pertaining to or involving sacrilege.
His comments on the sacred texts were considered sacrilegious.
Sacrilege
Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred
Putting ecclesiastical vestments to secular use was considered sacrilege
Sacrilegious
Involving or committing sacrilege
It seems sacrilegious to say this, but it's really not that great a film
A sacrilegious act
Sacrilege
Desecration, profanation, misuse, or theft of something regarded as sacred.
Sacrilegious
Committing sacrilege or characterized by sacrilege.
Sacrilege
Desecration, profanation, misuse or violation of something regarded as sacred.
Sacrilegious
Committing sacrilege; acting or speaking very disrespectfully toward what is held to be sacred.
Sacrilege
The sin or crime of violating or profaning sacred things; the alienating to laymen, or to common purposes, what has been appropriated or consecrated to religious persons or uses.
And the hid treasures in her sacred tombWith sacrilege to dig.
Families raised upon the ruins of churches, and enriched with the spoils of sacrilege.
Sacrilegious
Violating sacred things; polluted with sacrilege; involving sacrilege; profane; impious.
Above the reach of sacrilegious hands.
Sacrilege
Blasphemous behavior; the act of depriving something of its sacred character;
Desecration of the Holy Sabbath
Sacrilegious
Grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred;
Blasphemous rites of a witches' Sabbath
Profane utterances against the Church
It is sacrilegious to enter with shoes on
Common Curiosities
Does the perception of what is sacrilegious change over time?
Yes, societal changes and evolving beliefs can alter what is considered sacrilegious.
Are there any famous historical examples of sacrilege?
The Sack of Constantinople in 1204 during the Fourth Crusade involved numerous acts of sacrilege, including desecration of religious sites.
What might be an example of sacrilege in a non-religious context?
Treating a nation’s flag with disrespect or misuse could be considered a sacrilege in a patriotic context.
Can literature or art be sacrilegious?
Yes, works of art or literature that mock or disrespect sacred themes can be viewed as sacrilegious.
Can destruction of nature be considered a form of sacrilege?
In cultures where natural sites are considered sacred, their destruction can indeed be seen as sacrilege.
Can satire be considered sacrilegious?
Satire that targets religious beliefs or sacred symbols can be considered sacrilegious, especially if it's perceived as disrespectful.
Is sacrilege only applicable to religious contexts?
Primarily, yes, sacrilege is related to religious objects, places, or practices, but it can also extend to anything widely revered.
How do societies typically react to sacrilegious acts?
Reactions can vary from widespread outrage and protests to legal actions, depending on the act and the societal context.
How do legal systems differentiate between freedom of expression and sacrilegious acts?
Laws balance between protecting religious sensitivities and upholding freedom of speech, varying significantly between different countries.
What role does intent play in determining if an act is sacrilegious?
Intent can be crucial; accidental actions may not be deemed as sacrilegious as deliberate ones intended to offend.
How do educational institutions handle teachings that could be considered sacrilegious?
Schools and universities often navigate these issues by emphasizing academic freedom and the educational value of diverse perspectives.
Can an act be sacrilegious if no one is directly harmed by it?
Yes, as sacrilege often concerns the violation of sacredness itself, which can be symbolic and not require direct harm to individuals.
What impact does secularism have on the perception of sacrilegious acts?
In more secular societies, actions may be less likely to be viewed as sacrilegious, emphasizing freedom over religious sentiments.
Is it possible to commit sacrilege in a digital format?
Yes, sharing or creating content that desecrates sacred symbols or texts online can be considered sacrilege.
What are some common defenses against accusations of sacrilege?
Defendants might argue artistic expression, satire, or lack of intent to harm religious sentiments.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
