The main thing that I enjoyed about these last few chapters was seeing Jerusalem modernize as well as being able to more easily understand the conflicts because of it being a more modern period in history. It was nice to be able to review back to more recent history and know other problems going on around the rest of the world that directly or could have contributed to the conflicts in Jerusalem. The part about archeology and modern technology was also interesting, but I wish she would have gone into more detail on how that might have led to problems instead of shoving them off and just talking about countless leader changes.
Now, I did not however enjoy the ending of the book. I read this massive book with all these facts with Armstrong making claims and in some peoples minds having strong opinions and large amounts of knowledge on the subject. She is a "scholar" on the subject and obviously has large amounts of passion towards the topic. Then as soon as she could express her view or perhaps a vague plan or proposal of what she thinks the best situation for Jerusalem might be (coming from a scholar so I would be interested and respect her opinion greatly) she just plainly says no one knows what to do. Then she goes on by saying all three religions are going to have to give a bit of tolerance and that Jerusalem was always in better shape when governments in the past had tried this idea. Well, I could have said that theory before reading the book. You mean when people are more tolerant there is less fighting? Places are always better when there is a bit of peace? Thanks for the heads up and saying something that everyone already knows... How about a little help on the topic now...
But, besides that rant I did enjoy reading all the history of Jerusalem and how it has come to be such a focal point and complex city because of it's long painful past and countless days of turmoil.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Armstrong 14-15
I found these chapters to be similar to what I have been saying in earlier posts, just different rulers and a different year. Transactions were still being made because of money and power. For example, Latin Christians were aloud into Jerusalem after a pay off as well at the Jews being able to build a new synagogue.
There is also still the theme that everyone is happy for a bit, then something goes wrong, whether it is the economy, lack of consideration or an outside force of a crusade then everything goes up in flames.
I did however enjoy getting into the section of science influencing and changing ways that people began to see and interpret the religion. Then it went back to powerful European forces, like Napoleon, coming over to create an empire... for the sole reason of keeping up with Europe.
I did also enjoy how every religion fights so hard for Jerusalem, yet as soon as there is a hardship they began just giving it up or moving away.
There is also still the theme that everyone is happy for a bit, then something goes wrong, whether it is the economy, lack of consideration or an outside force of a crusade then everything goes up in flames.
I did however enjoy getting into the section of science influencing and changing ways that people began to see and interpret the religion. Then it went back to powerful European forces, like Napoleon, coming over to create an empire... for the sole reason of keeping up with Europe.
I did also enjoy how every religion fights so hard for Jerusalem, yet as soon as there is a hardship they began just giving it up or moving away.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Armstrong 10-13
Well, chapter 10 was my least favorite chapter, although I can see why it is relevant. Helped me understand a suppose a little better why Christians began fighting harder for Jerusalem after the mass killing and exile.
I really enjoyed finally reading about Muhammad and the Islamic religion. I enjoyed how Muhammad believed that they (as a faith) should not disgrace the earlier religions and basically let them do as they please. I am also glad that I finally know why the prayers are toward Mecca and not Jerusalem. Another thing I found interesting was how they would not build on other religious sites and actually choose to settle a less prosperous land. I also enjoyed the similarities of making Jerusalem an official holy city by bringing the Black Stone from Mecca to Jerusalem just like the Arc of the Covenant had been in earlier times.
The main thing that stood out to me though was how each religion would try to "out do" each other like when the Christians decided to make a building taller than the Dome of the Rock. Or when there was a mosque build in a "Christian" territory.
The chapter about the Crusades was also a fairly new topic to me. I mean, I knew what they were but not into this much depth. Besides the killing I almost found this chapter comical. They Crusade back to Jerusalem to take it over because it belonged to them spiritually. Yet, once they succeed in this task they all leave and the city becomes underpopulated? Then once they are there, this place that has such a large connection to them... the only way they felt like they belonged was to mass produce buildings instead of having the spiritual connection. Just seemed like an odd way to leave a holy war... by leaving your "holy" city.
I really enjoyed finally reading about Muhammad and the Islamic religion. I enjoyed how Muhammad believed that they (as a faith) should not disgrace the earlier religions and basically let them do as they please. I am also glad that I finally know why the prayers are toward Mecca and not Jerusalem. Another thing I found interesting was how they would not build on other religious sites and actually choose to settle a less prosperous land. I also enjoyed the similarities of making Jerusalem an official holy city by bringing the Black Stone from Mecca to Jerusalem just like the Arc of the Covenant had been in earlier times.
The main thing that stood out to me though was how each religion would try to "out do" each other like when the Christians decided to make a building taller than the Dome of the Rock. Or when there was a mosque build in a "Christian" territory.
The chapter about the Crusades was also a fairly new topic to me. I mean, I knew what they were but not into this much depth. Besides the killing I almost found this chapter comical. They Crusade back to Jerusalem to take it over because it belonged to them spiritually. Yet, once they succeed in this task they all leave and the city becomes underpopulated? Then once they are there, this place that has such a large connection to them... the only way they felt like they belonged was to mass produce buildings instead of having the spiritual connection. Just seemed like an odd way to leave a holy war... by leaving your "holy" city.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Armstong Chapters 8-9
Well, chapter eight was pretty hard for me to get through but I enjoyed chapter nine very much. The main themes I saw in these chapters were just the overthrowing of religions from Jewish to Pagan to Christianity. I did find it interesting how they banned Jewish people from entering their "Holy City" or let them only enter on certain religious times of the year.
Now the part I found most interesting was the Christian transformation. At the start they had no affiliation with Jerusalem because they said it was an unholy city and Jesus said it would be ruined. Yet, as soon as Constantine came to power and declared Christianity the religion now all of a sudden Jerusalem was very much theirs. Another thing was how, at first, Christians were told to respect other religions and that "God" was with them wherever they went. Also, it was better to be pilgrims and poor and think beyond this realm. Yet, as soon as a little power and backing entered the picture it was all about discovering relics and building temples that were earlier not even a thought. Just thought it was interesting on how no matter what the belief system is somehow as soon as power and money is available things just seem to change extremely rapidly.
Now the part I found most interesting was the Christian transformation. At the start they had no affiliation with Jerusalem because they said it was an unholy city and Jesus said it would be ruined. Yet, as soon as Constantine came to power and declared Christianity the religion now all of a sudden Jerusalem was very much theirs. Another thing was how, at first, Christians were told to respect other religions and that "God" was with them wherever they went. Also, it was better to be pilgrims and poor and think beyond this realm. Yet, as soon as a little power and backing entered the picture it was all about discovering relics and building temples that were earlier not even a thought. Just thought it was interesting on how no matter what the belief system is somehow as soon as power and money is available things just seem to change extremely rapidly.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Armstrong 5-7
The main aspect that I saw in these three chapters is just more of the hardships and troubles that the people of Jerusalem went through. Yet, it was nice to see that there were some moments of not peace, but I suppose more tolerate times would be the best way of explaining it. I also enjoyed reading about Herod and how politicians back then were not much different than they are today. By that statement, I mean that they will switch back in forth in order to "stay in power".
After the readings I could not help but think of the religion as a business and all these facts about constant chaos always seemed to have power and money mixed into the story. For example, when Menelaus went behind Jason's back and offered a better bribe in order to have the high priesthood position for himself. It was also relevant when the Persian Army said that all temples would be rebuilt. Then, after living in tolerance many Jew's claimed that he was here because of Yahweh and went again to the most powerful. Again it is seen when people were even segregated in their own religion until they "sacrificed" or gave something up could a person be let back into Jerusalem. The best example is with Herod always switching companions to the person that would most likely let him stay in power. The withholding of power is even seen when "disciples" and "prophets" were killed because they were creating an uproar in the city that could create another revolution and possibly kill the power for the one in charge. The history within these three chapters just seem like the exploitation of religion in order to obtain power and money in my mind and I find it interesting how this theme is still common in today's' society.
After the readings I could not help but think of the religion as a business and all these facts about constant chaos always seemed to have power and money mixed into the story. For example, when Menelaus went behind Jason's back and offered a better bribe in order to have the high priesthood position for himself. It was also relevant when the Persian Army said that all temples would be rebuilt. Then, after living in tolerance many Jew's claimed that he was here because of Yahweh and went again to the most powerful. Again it is seen when people were even segregated in their own religion until they "sacrificed" or gave something up could a person be let back into Jerusalem. The best example is with Herod always switching companions to the person that would most likely let him stay in power. The withholding of power is even seen when "disciples" and "prophets" were killed because they were creating an uproar in the city that could create another revolution and possibly kill the power for the one in charge. The history within these three chapters just seem like the exploitation of religion in order to obtain power and money in my mind and I find it interesting how this theme is still common in today's' society.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
First what I would like to talk about is the assimilation of beliefs/religions to correspond with different one's. This is a part of religion that I find amazing. How most religions came from a polytheist, pagan background to end up as monotheist and they all correspond with an earlier "primitive" belief.
The assimilation of Baal and Yahweh was an interesting segment in the book. For example, they both were great men that lived on a mountain. They both had battle with a sea monster to save the world from the flooding chaos. Like Murduk, Yahweh split a monster to lay the new foundations of the world. Both of these "gods" were also called El Elyon at some point.
Then the point of wanting to get rid of pagan ideals, when in fact the buildings were started pagan and had pagan artifacts inside even while they had their monotheist worship.
Another idea I find interesting is using the religion until something more favorable arises or a better "option" may be seen. For example, the Kingdom of Judah and the vassal of Israel who both had different "religions". Yet, because if the treaty between these two were to be made then they could both fight Damascus. In order for this to happen Jehoram and Athaliah married to create this treaty.
The last idea is using your "god" as a war hero. I find this highly amazing and in a way contradictory. This was relevant in Joshua claiming his "god" giving him the right to use excessive force to take back the land. It is also seen when the Assyrians become plague ridden and Yahweh is praised for that action.
In general, I enjoyed these readings and find it an almost "everyman" aspect because these are seen in almost every history book. Whether it is assimilation of religions, religion for a business type venture or using your religion as more of a scare tactic then a way to live by. I just always see these ideas interesting and easily seen throughout history and really stood out to me while reading this book.
The assimilation of Baal and Yahweh was an interesting segment in the book. For example, they both were great men that lived on a mountain. They both had battle with a sea monster to save the world from the flooding chaos. Like Murduk, Yahweh split a monster to lay the new foundations of the world. Both of these "gods" were also called El Elyon at some point.
Then the point of wanting to get rid of pagan ideals, when in fact the buildings were started pagan and had pagan artifacts inside even while they had their monotheist worship.
Another idea I find interesting is using the religion until something more favorable arises or a better "option" may be seen. For example, the Kingdom of Judah and the vassal of Israel who both had different "religions". Yet, because if the treaty between these two were to be made then they could both fight Damascus. In order for this to happen Jehoram and Athaliah married to create this treaty.
The last idea is using your "god" as a war hero. I find this highly amazing and in a way contradictory. This was relevant in Joshua claiming his "god" giving him the right to use excessive force to take back the land. It is also seen when the Assyrians become plague ridden and Yahweh is praised for that action.
In general, I enjoyed these readings and find it an almost "everyman" aspect because these are seen in almost every history book. Whether it is assimilation of religions, religion for a business type venture or using your religion as more of a scare tactic then a way to live by. I just always see these ideas interesting and easily seen throughout history and really stood out to me while reading this book.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Assignment 2
Food: Well my mom is a vegetarian so the only meats we had were fish and chicken. Then there were also a lot of organic foods, like organic peanut butter, brownies and various types of snacks. My dad's house is packed with simple things and any type of meat that can be thrown on a grill. I myself eat anything that is cheap mainly because I'm broke haha.
Art, Posters, Artifacts: In my room I have prints from Ralph Steadman as well as maps from places I have been and small tokens everywhere from my travels, like key cards for subways, different currency and used tickets for landmarks.
Books: I have a few books on Leonardo Da Vinci because he is my favorite renaissance man and I am intrigued with his work. I also have books on Ben Franklin. Besides those my collection is compiled of business and Chinese text books.
Music: I have no favorite artist. My I-pod ranges from Mozart, Fleetwood Mac, Avenged Sevenfold, Earth Wind and Fire, Coltrane, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Temptations, Tool and A Perfect Circle.
Just some pictures of travels and what I love doing...
Readings post due 3/6/09
I personally enjoyed these readings just finding in more depth how Jerusalem was shaped and made. How there were those many conquering cultures, influences and struggles within one city is incredible. Having temples constantly being interchanged between Muslim, Christian and Jewish religions. My favorite part of the readings was in "The History of Jerusalem: An Arab Perspective" by Rashid Khalidi when the article discusses how Jerusalem's history should really be discussed. It discusses how the history of Jerusalem cannot be based on what other historians believe is verifiable. The quote that stood out to me that I believe summarized all three of the articles was, "Nevertheless, the historian cannot afford to ignore what people believe simply because it is not verifiable using rigorous historical methodology. There is, after all,the possibility that it may be true or that it contains elements that can be proven." This shows how important the three religions are to the city and even if it may or may not be true, it shaped the city and must be put into consideration for further discussion. The historical aspects of the city helps me think about some of the political struggles with a better view.
Assignment 1 Baggage.
Sorry everyone I forgot to do this part of the assignment because I had it for some reason written on week 2 assignment on my syllabus and just saw the revised one today. Anyways, I am not a big fan of the word baggage because I do not feel that having different experiences that might be out of the norm or not accepted by all as a baggage but more as shaping myself as an individual.
I was brought up Protestant yet it was a very odd childhood. My mom worked at a place called Grailville which is one of the largest women retreat centers in the United States. So, even though I was protestant I grew up walking through labyrinths and going to Easter at barn in the middle of cornfields. Then on top of that I lived in Cincinnati, so I also had the city life aspect. Now, I was forced to do confirmation but because I was stubborn and did not like the specific church I decided not to join the church. After this experience I became intrigued with religion and other types of cultures, I have even studied simple meditation styles. I have even been to belly dancing ceremonies and sweat lodges.
Now that is my mom's side, yet my dad is a blue collar worker to I have that aspect. I grew up becoming a large sports fan being active in wrestling, soccer, basketball and baseball throughout grade school and high school. So, that was an interesting mesh of parents in my belief.
Myself, I really have no religious affiliation after this childhood. All I know is I love different cultures which leads to me traveling. I have been to Italy, France and England on top of living in China and teaching English and traveling throughout for three and a half months. In general I am a very open guy and have no problem accepting anyone, so if there is anything anyone wants to ask me I never get offended and enjoy the conversation.
I was brought up Protestant yet it was a very odd childhood. My mom worked at a place called Grailville which is one of the largest women retreat centers in the United States. So, even though I was protestant I grew up walking through labyrinths and going to Easter at barn in the middle of cornfields. Then on top of that I lived in Cincinnati, so I also had the city life aspect. Now, I was forced to do confirmation but because I was stubborn and did not like the specific church I decided not to join the church. After this experience I became intrigued with religion and other types of cultures, I have even studied simple meditation styles. I have even been to belly dancing ceremonies and sweat lodges.
Now that is my mom's side, yet my dad is a blue collar worker to I have that aspect. I grew up becoming a large sports fan being active in wrestling, soccer, basketball and baseball throughout grade school and high school. So, that was an interesting mesh of parents in my belief.
Myself, I really have no religious affiliation after this childhood. All I know is I love different cultures which leads to me traveling. I have been to Italy, France and England on top of living in China and teaching English and traveling throughout for three and a half months. In general I am a very open guy and have no problem accepting anyone, so if there is anything anyone wants to ask me I never get offended and enjoy the conversation.
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