A saint is a holy or virtuous person who is recognized by a religious tradition as having an exceptional degree of sanctity, holiness, or closeness to God (or the divine). The specific criteria for recognizing sainthood, the rituals involved, and the implications of such recognition vary significantly among different religions and denominations.
Etymology The word "saint" derives from the Latin sanctus, meaning "holy," "sacred," or "consecrated." This, in turn, comes from sancire, "to consecrate," related to sacer, "sacred."
In Christianity
The concept of sainthood is most prominently developed within Christianity, though its interpretation differs across various traditions.
- Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy: In these traditions, saints are individuals who have been canonized (officially recognized as saints by the Church) or otherwise venerated for their exemplary lives, virtuous deeds, and often, miraculous interventions.
- Canonization: The process of canonization involves rigorous investigation of a candidate's life, writings, and alleged miracles (typically two posthumous miracles are required for beatification, and another for canonization). Saints are believed to be in heaven and can intercede on behalf of the living.
- Veneration: Saints are venerated (honored), not worshipped. Churches, feast days, and artistic depictions are dedicated to them. Their relics (physical remains or personal effects) are also often venerated.
- Types: Saints include martyrs (those who died for their faith), confessors (those who lived exemplary lives but were not martyred), virgins, doctors of the Church (prominent theologians), and others.
- Protestantism: While most Protestant denominations do not have a formal canonization process or the same practice of veneration, many acknowledge historical figures as exemplary Christians. The term "saint" is often used more broadly, in line with its biblical usage (e.g., in the New Testament, "saints" often refers to all baptized believers, or "holy ones," as in "the saints in Corinth"). Some denominations, however, do honor specific figures who played significant roles in their history or theology.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Members of this faith are commonly referred to as "Latter-day Saints." The term "saint" in this context refers to members of the church as covenant people striving for holiness, aligning with the biblical usage of "saints" as members of the body of Christ.
In Other Religions
Similar concepts of revered holy persons exist in many other world religions:
- Hinduism: Holy persons such as Rishis, Sadhus, Swamis, and Gurus are highly revered for their spiritual wisdom, asceticism, and closeness to the divine.
- Buddhism: Figures like Arhats (enlightened beings who have attained nirvana) and Bodhisattvas (beings who delay their own nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment) are analogous to saints, serving as objects of reverence and inspiration.
- Islam: The concept of Awliya (friends of God) in Sufism refers to holy individuals believed to be close to God and capable of performing miracles. While their veneration is significant in Sufi traditions, it is sometimes viewed with caution in more orthodox Islamic thought to avoid association with shirk (idolatry).
- Judaism: While not having a formal sainthood process, Judaism honors righteous individuals called Tzaddikim (righteous ones), particularly in Hasidic Judaism, who are seen as spiritual leaders and intercessors.
Secular and Figurative Usage
Beyond religious contexts, "saint" can also be used in a secular or figurative sense:
- Virtuous Person: To describe someone who is exceptionally good, patient, kind, or self-sacrificing (e.g., "She's a saint for putting up with his antics").
- Place Names and Organizations: The term is commonly incorporated into geographical names (e.g., Saint Petersburg, Saint Louis) and names of sports teams (e.g., New Orleans Saints).