The chapter titled 'Exile and Return' was a very intriguing chapter by Karen Armstrong. One thing that struck me was when she talked about how Ezekiel and how he creating a 'new sacred geography.' I found it interesting that when constructing the replica of Solomon's Temple (which had been destroyed) he surrounded the Temple buildings with 'two walled courts.' She speaks of how holiness and God began to be separated from humans at this point. I found this interesting because before reading this I had never imagined these religious ideas being thought of as 'equal' to humans.
Another part of the reading I found interesting was how the Tobiads tried to force the people of Jerusalem to get rid of their old and storied customs and embrace Hellenism. I feel as though this is just like any other part of the world when it comes to colonization. When the people of Jerusalem felt threatened, they clung even tighter to their religious practices.
I think that is one of the main reasons why people feel the need for religion to have some sort of presence in their life. When a group of people is presented with conflict, they seek comfort in knowing that something of a 'higher power' will see them through their problems. Having these beliefs instills faith in the fact that even if their customs and cultures are stricken from them, they will still have their faith in whatever higher being they believe in, and no one can take that from them.
That makes sense, Jessica. I think, like Maimonides and his four levels of perfection (intellect being the highest, that religion (and intellect) is something that can not be taken away from a person, even unto death. And also I think that death is a fearsome unknown and religion/belief in a higher power makes the unknown doable with maybe not as much fear, knowing God will be with you. So I wonder if this is why the possession of a place (Jerusalem) is so important: each religion's stamp of identity has been placed upon the 'center of the earth' as it has been called and is now identified with their collective relationship to God. Just wondering....but many people have been willing to freely die for religion, and especially in regards to Jerusalem.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is a very interesting thought to ponder, about the 'new sacred geography' versus the two walls.....thanks for writing!