Sacred Space Doesn’t Mean Peaceful People

While the Ottoman system was in continuing havoc Jerusalem became a part of the province of Damascus and was ruled by the wali of Sidon (Armstrong 348). Tension, already high between religious group, seemed to grow. Even within sects of the three dominant religions there was fighting (Armstrong 349). Something that has become increasingly aware after reading Armstrong’s chapter is that while spaces are sacred that does not mean people will be peaceful.

Within the Christian community in Jerusalem there are many different sects including Armenian, Greek Orthodox, and Ethiopian etc. These denominations had to share the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The fact that the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a sacred space to all of those denomination would, in theory, protect it from being destroyed. However, this was not the case because in 1808 a fire began in the Crypt of St. Helena (Armstrong 348) This fire spread throughout the church and destroyed it (Armstrong 348). Each sect placed blame on one another (Armstrong 349). This passing of blame increased tension that then were further increased by the prospect of rebuilding(Armstrong 348). The denomination placed in charge of rebuilding the church would subsequently give that sect ownership of the sacred space (Armstrong 348). After much debate the privilege was given to the Greek Orthodox Christian (Armstrong 348). The prospect of rebuilding also sparked outrage between Muslim groups who were concerned about the economics of rebuilding (Armstrong 348). Eventually, there were riots all over the city concerning the rebuilding of sacred space. 

This destruction is not new to Jerusalem. Throughout its history it has been in a cycle of building and rebuilding of sacred space. Seen in the example above as well as many others such as the Temple of Solomon. The repetition of destruction is similar to the type scene found in Judges. The book of Judges expresses the repetitive nature of Israelites wrong doings (Spigel). The cycle happens first with the Israelites doing evil which primarily meant worshipping other gods (Spigel).Then they repent and a judge is raised (Spigel). The Israelites defeat their enemy and live in peace until they once again commit evil and the cycle starts over (Spigel). 

The type scene of Judges is similar to the destruction and rebuilding type scene found in Jerusalem. Take for example the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This cycle begins with a switch in political power within Jerusalem. Then one religion begins to protest against other religious sects. A sacred space is destroyed and then rebuilt or working towards being rebuilt. Once rebuilt there is momentary peace until another ruler comes in. Just because there is the creation of a sacred space or the rebuilding of one does not mean it will keep the people peaceful.

Work Cited

Spigel, Chad. “Joshua and Judges.” RELI-2345. Hebrew Bible/ Old Testament, 19 Mar. 2019, San Antonio, Trinity University. 

Armstrong, Karen. Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths. Harper Perennial, 2005.