the last of Armstrong...

One of the things I find interesting about this book is how in depth Armstrong goes into the history of each religion and who was in control on the city at different times. The city has been under seige, it seems, for the entirety of its existence. She stresses the history and the ideals of each religion, and one thing each has in common, as has been pointed out in class, is the emphasis on helping others and setting a good example for future generations.
I have no religious background...the only religion I can tell you extensively (kinda) about is Mormonism...not because I, myself, am a Mormon, but because I grew up in Utah and Utah History, as a required class, was pretty much the history of the Mormons coming to Utah. I cant really tell you about their religious beliefs, but I can tell you that it seems like every religion in the history of the world has been persecuted in some respect. The Mormons were chased out of state after state before coming to the Great Salt Lake, the Great Basin. There they found hope that they would be able to live in peace. Every other religion I have ever heard of, has had similar histories. Being driven out of places because of a difference in opinion or religious beliefs. Every occupant of Jerusalem have dealt with this. When the Romans came in, the Jews were exiles. everytime someone new came to the city, someone else was moved out. Persecution, it seems, has been a prerequisite for any religion.
Ive brought it up before in my blog, but why is it that people cling to religions so hard that they are willing to kill for it, to die for it? I mean, objectively, I understand it, but personally, Ive never been that passionate about anything before in my life, never have I been so passionate that I would be willing to die for it. My religious beliefs came from no where. I wasnt raised in a church or a religious family, so Im not entirely sure where they came from. All I know is that I feel God. I feel that he is with me. Its that simple. But these religions, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity; they seem to all be a complicated, complex belief system that spout beliefs and ideals that they dont seem to follow. Islamic people and Jewish people still kill each other, they still fight. They dont seem to follow their own rules of compassion and respect. Mohammad told his followers to respect their ancestors and future generations alike. He believed in peace and compassion, but I dont see it. Granted, the need to fight back is necessary for survival, but self defense is only needed after a first attack, but who made it? At this point, the cycle is so historical and hidden, that there are so many different opinions as to who originally started the conflict. It doesnt matter, though, really. What matters is that people are dying.
On page 217-218, Armstrong tells of how Mohammad didnt think he was creating a new religion when he spoke the words of Allah. He was speaking the words of the ancient "religion of the one God worshiped by the Jews and the Christians. It called upon the people of Mecca to to make an existential surrender (islam) of their whole lives to God".
"The whole of islam, therefore, can be seen as a quest for wholeness, a return to the paradise that human beings had lost". Mohammad stressed the necessity for giving back to ones community, to help the poor and vulnerable, and treat them with respect.
"As in Judaism, God was experienced in a moral imperative rather then in orthodoxy. " (218) I like this quote, because what it says to me is that anyone can experience God. If a person remains moral and grounded, then they can have a relationship with God. I dont think Ive ever heard it put so clearly before.
"It is difficult to be optimistic about the either the furture of the Middle East peace process or the future of the Holy City.....Both sides have to decide if they whether they want peace or victory." (430) I think this quote sums up the book pretty well, especially of Karen Armstrongs opinions on the situation. How can we be optimistic about a city as controversial as Jerusalem? I would love to say that I believe it will someday end, and it may. But not in the near future because there are still a great many differences to be ironed out. Granted, both sides are slowly, very gradually figuring out how to live together. But its only a few people on each side at a time. All the while, bombs are going off, people are dying, and boundaries are bing tested. So I ask, who thinks this could end soon? Does anyone have hope? Does the city?