A Clash of Religion Piety: Physical vs. Spiritual

Armstrong makes a case for what is acceptable religious practice, but first it is important to see early Christians school of thought. We see that Gentile Christians viewed Jerusalem as the "Guilty City" for its treatment of their savior Jesus. Even in this time there was already a rejection of not just Jerusalem, but also the physical world. Origen expressed that Christians should liberate themselves from the physical world and to seek God in a spiritual way (Armstrong 171). Eusebius had a similar sentiment: that God would come to us not in a musky cave, but to souls purified and prepared with clear and rational minds (175). Also, Eusebius suggests that although God came down to us in the flesh, we should focus on his spiritual divine essence. Also, that Logos had returned to us and we should follow Logos into the spiritual realm (178). What I find to be a bit hypocritical is that Christian theologians were in favor of the spiritual, but during the time of Constantine there were many churches built. The pagan temple was removed and in its place the sepulcher was raised up, becoming a famous spot for pilgrimage. Constantine makes sure the church is the most beautiful of its kind (181). It is as if there is an importance in looks, which is what Christians may disagree with. Despite Christians' view of the physical world, they cannot help but root themselves in the physical world. Armstrong's argument is that myths and symbols are important for reawakening sacred space. They appeal to us naturally. People root themselves into a physical place especially after a time of persecution (183). But we see later a compromise of physical and spiritual. On the way to the sacred cave, steps are put in place so that pilgrims may ready their hearts and minds before hand (187). And Cyril thought that we should not reject the physical world because God aligned himself with it when he sent Jesus (191).