The Great 'Why'

You! Yeah you! Have you ever wondered about the early history of the city of Jerusalem, who the original settlers where, and why they went there? Probably not! But Karen Armstrong, Oxford scholar, has wondered exactly that--so much so that she wrote the book about it, literally. Her opening chapter of the 1996 book "One City Three Faiths" explores the inexact and debated early history of the ancient city of Jerusalem. Furthermore, she introduces more challenging ideas to the reader; ones focusing on the genesis and purpose of religion. Armstrong's presentation of the primeval history of Jerusalem is complex and in-depth, explaining the intricacies of Egyptian rule in the region, tribal rule, the Brass Age, and more. Finally introducing the Jebustites on Mount Zion to tie up chapter one as the first peoples to enduringly settle there, cementing Jerusalem in history.

Mentioned in the chapter are sacred places, with a reference and comparison drawn to Eliade. According to Armstrong, "such sites [like Jerusalem] are "sacred" to us because they are inextricably bound up with our conception of ourselves; they may be associated with a profound experience that transformed our lives, with memories of early childhood, or with a person who was important to us" (Armstrong, 8). So that when people visit such places it reminds them of the strong emotions they once felt there, something so strong it has the ability to distract the individual from the mundane nature of their very existence (relatable, huh?). It makes the reader question why one place, one city, could be held to be so sacred by so many people of varying faiths. Why this one square mile? Why here?

As expected, the rest of this book will go on to offer explanations for that and much more, but Armstrong does go chose to discuss questions regarding religious genesis in the region in chapter one. People first coming into the region faced many troubles, from severe landscapes (seriously, relentless) to violent take overs, wars, and the general harshities of life. It's only natural to want to have something, to need to have something, someone, out there looking out for you. Anything other than just this. Armstrong discusses "this search for superabundant life-- symbolized by the potent, immortal gods-- [which] has informed all great religions" (Armstrong, 8). The desire to have something concrete in such a hard world could have been the reason that so many people in this region found religion and sacred places here. 

As more and more information about the region comes to light, many more questions will just get exponentially more complicated. As evident by chapter one, Jerusalem and the surrounding land has been a highly disputed area for thousands of years. Determining exactly who, why, and how is something so intricate and entangled it may not even be possible. But Armstrong didn't let that impossible thought stop her from publishing this book, and you shouldn't let that stop you from learning more about the region and furthering your understanding! You've gotten this far-- go you!