The SACRED OBJECT is that entity in the name of which murdering becomes morally justifiable. 

Sacred objects transcend ordinary life in that acts usually conceived as criminal--become moral.

In our ordinary lives, people make a big deal when just a few people are murdered (or ten or twenty as has occurred recently). Yet in warfare, killing and dying are commonplace; acceptable; taking for granted. Why? 

Because killing and dying are performed in the name of SACRED OBJECTS.

The sacred object is that idea or entity which transcends or overcomes or overrides ordinary or conventional morality.