Our class discussion about Armstrong's first four chapters and the beginnings of the Jewish religion sparked several more questions for me.
1. Why does religious belief seemingly trump historical evidence?
It appears to me that the faithful are less likely to consider history when coming to conclusions about biblical times. While I can appreciate having a strong faith, to me, it becomes a problem if that faith effects one's ability to interpret data. I guess what I'm saying is that I believe in history. I also believe that the Bible, Torah, Koran, et al., are simple books there to give us examples as to how to live a good life, and not set in stone historical descriptions of what actually was. A literal reading of the material stunts ones ability to add new knowledge.
2. Using social justice as an example, when does a religion forget why it was created and start pursuing other paths?
Even though we are reading a historical text now, I feel that it is important to look at what is happening now in Jerusalem and compare. Armstrong was adament that the begins of the Jewish religion were founded in the idea of social justice, and understanding that it was important to be respectful to others. I especially like the example of Jerusalem during King David's time. He conquered the city, yet ensured that the previous residents weren't prosecuted or taken advantage of. He allowed them to maintain the majority of their lives. Why wasn't the state of Israel able to do this?
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yeah, you're definitely right, i am letting my beliefs cloud my scholarly judgement. and i would expect that of any religious person. i get the whole point that the bible isn't necessarily historically accurate. i dont want to come off as some literalist bible thumper who accepts it all as truth. i disagree, however, that her historical analyses will help me personalize my religion. i'm already doing that. but my point is this... and im sorry i can't offer much textual evidence for this i need to ask josh for help, but she talks a lot about how canaanite traditions influenced the israelites. but i dont even think she considers the israelites to be jews. instead she calls them yahwists. so i don't really have a point anymore because i'm rambling. maybe we can talk more about this in class today....ps are you on my blog and am i on yours? my email is becker.261@Osu.edu if i'm not.
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