Guess what guys? We did it. We have at last made it through Karen Armstrong's novel. Nobody said it was going to be easy, and I will be the first to tell you...it surely wasn't. After spending a few weeks analyzing and discussing the vast amount of material, I feel I have grown as a critic, as a writer, as an active listener, and as a student. While many of us may have differing opinions and thoughts on Armstrong's writing style and where she gets her information, I believe there's one thing we can all come to a consensus on; the history of Jerusalem is complex, and will continue to be complex. Every person, every event, and every religion has made Jerusalem the Holy City that it is today. Although I cannot remember every minute detail covered in the book, I now have a good sense of what Jerusalem stands for and why it is such a coveted place.
There's no question that religion has an extremely powerful influence on our behaviors and beliefs. However, I don't think religion should be the sole factor that separates groups of people. I mean, in the end aren't we all taught that religion is a sacred place where we are free and safe. We're really not all that different from one another. So why is it that we must treat groups with such animosity? Is it really that difficult to accept others' beliefs for what they are? If you don't agree with a religion and their set of beliefs that's okay. Nobody is forcing you to convert or to change your way of thinking.
It was in these chapters where I finally was familiar with some of the material that was thrown at us. The Holocaust is a familiar name to all, Jewish or otherwise. Just hearing about the horror the Jews were put through makes me cringe. It makes me angry and upset. Nearly seven million people were executed and many others were forced from their homes and separated from their families. It makes me feel that the Jewish people deserve to have a homeland out of sheer sympathy. Israel was like a paradise to the Jews. They were welcomed, and above all, they were appreciated. Who knows how this event changed the way Jerusalem is today.
Jerusalem may never be completely free from its struggle, but one can hope. While the conflict(s) in Jerusalem may never be satisfied, we can't stop trying. After all, nothing is impossible.
After reading this book, though slightly overwhelmed, I definitely agree with you I have a better understanding of what this city really means to every different religion and their reasons for fighting and trying to protect their sacred sites. The Jews definitely deserved to have a homeland after all they were put through, I don't think anyone could ever dispute how awful their situation was and when reading that part of the book you couldn't help feeling their strong connection to Israel. Hopefully sooner rather than later Jerusalem will be a peaceful place for all three religions to respectfully worship in their own ways.
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