https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-jmpfv-16c759f

The sacred canopy operates by de!ning what is considered moral, sacred, profane, and immoral. It establishes a shared reality that members of a society are expected to adhere to, providing a common understanding of the world and a sense of collective iden‐ tity. Religious institutions, as the primary upholders of this canopy, wield signi!cant power in shaping these norms and enforcing compliance.

Especially for those of us raised within a deeply religious environment, the sacred canopy can become an internalized part of our identity. From a young age, we are taught to align our thoughts and actions with the religious teachings and moral codes upheld by our community. This process of socialization, reinforced by family, education, and community interactions, often leaves little room for questioning or deviation.