Monday, January 24, 2011
What is the Political Significance of the Temple in Jerusalem? (ShaQuilla Bell)
The Temple, located in Jerusalem's Old City, is significant to three different religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. For Christians, it is supposedly the site of Mt. Moriah, where Abraham came close to sacrificing his son Isaac. For Jews, it is said to be the location of the first and second temples, and possibly the spot for the building of the third temple. For Muslims, it is believed to be the place where the prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven. Because of the Temple's historical disagreements amongst the different religions, it serves as the crossroads between religion and politics.
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All true now. If you look at a map of ancient Israel, you will see that its location in Jerusalem was critical under the reign of David as a midpoint between Northern Kingdom (Israel) and Southern Kingdom (Judah). David consolidates the north and south and begins an ever growing momentum to allow temple worship only in one place--Jerusalem. Its a political move as much as a religious move. That's the significance of the temple's location during the rule of Solomon (when it actually gets built)...but as your entry points out, nothing much has changed. Being in the middle of political arguments seems to be the fate of Jerusalem.
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