Today, Dr. Cargill continued with the topic of Jerusalem as a sacred space. We began with defining two terms--a Ziggurat and a Tomb. Ziggurats were used to worship, whereas tombs were used to bury the dead.
With temples, you will see God direct how a temple or place of worship ought to look. If we look at hebrew bible stories, we will see god physically created the heavens and the earth. When we were discussing construction, we concludes places founded for worship of God are not of human but divine origin-- and the plans for a temple are somehow given to them by divin decree. On the topic of divine origin came the idea of Axis Mundi. Dr. Cargill discussed the construction of Sacred Space, and stated that shortly after the creation of the temple by Soloman, there is a long prayer of dedication. When a new space is built there is usually a ceremony, etc. Later, a question arose-- How do you build the enormity of a site? This is by attracting stories; these stories and legends may be created or taken. I found this very interesting. Stories do not necessarily have to be true; by creating a 'reputation' of the place.. it is possible to attract individuals to the site. In relation, Jerusalem begins to grab these stories and attribute them to themselves.
Next, we read a text from Genesis 14:17-20 named "Melchizedek". This was a fascinating text that later on Melchizedek (priest and king)--you are not supposed to be both in Jewish tradition, and you cannot be from both houses. Overtime, Melchizedek became assimilated with the Hebrew god. I found it interesting that you never say the formal name of the god in the Jewish religion. You are forbidden to speak or write the name of god, because you cannot erase it. Also, If the word lord is in all capital letters, it is not wrong--it is simply signifying the name of the Hebrew god.
After reading another passage from Genesis 22:1-13, the "Akedah" (Binding of Isaac), it was concluded that human sacrifice is very prevalent in the human life. The fact that individuals were saying no sacrificing, the practice was stlll going on. Ethics can be debated; in Islam the story is there as well, but the son is not Isaac it is Ishmael. This took place in the land of Moriah.
Dr. Cargill taught the definition of Exodus--which was the idea of creation of sacred time and space in tradition. It is good that the creation of sacred time and days has become a part of culture. Nowadays, Jewish people have the ability to dress properly, eat, celebrate holidays, and study the Torrah. The faith must be mobile again. We learned how Axis Mundi is the connection between heaven and earth, and the earth and the underworld. In addition, I gained knowledge of how The "Mountain of God" is the place where god reveals his private name. On Holy ground, God says to take off sandals. Nowadays, when you go to a mosque it is necessary to cover up. I found this interesting and similar because when I attend church, I have to wear clothing that covers my shoulders.
Lastly, we looked at more texts and a picture of the Western Wall at Sukkot. The Western Wall at Sukkot can hold numerous people. I found it interesting that you can write a prayer, and with this prayer or blessing it can be stuck into the cracks of the walls. With this, you are essentially communing with the divine. I found most fascinating that you can e-mail a prayer as well--and they will print it out for you and insert it in the cracks of the wall!
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