Space seems to be a simple concept, but many people having varying ideas of what the term actually means. In the article “Space”, Thomas Tweed tackles the true definition of religious space. Tweed rejects the idea that space is “a preexisting static container isolated from other spaces” or “a void to be filled” (118). Instead, Tweed describes sacred spaces as differentiated, kinetic, and interrelated. Jerusalem holds deep significance to three of biggest religions in the world. The city is home to many religious events, people, and locations that hold religious value to millions across the globe. Being one of the largest and most significant religious sites in the world, Jerusalem can lend a hand in explaining Tweed’s definition of sacred space.
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God commanded Abraham, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you” and Abraham obeyed (Gen 22:2-3 NRSV). Out of all the possible places, God singled out Mount Moriah to be the ground in which this religious test would take place. Upon his arrival to Mount Moriah, Abraham was set to sacrifice his child, but God stopped him before he could prevail. Instead, God provided a ram to take Isaac’s place and God said, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided” (Gen 22:14 NRSV). Mount Moriah is referred to as ‘Mount of the Lord’ elevating the religious sites’ significance by attaching its self to such a holy title. The Lord then says, “I will indeed bless you…your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.” (Gen 22:17-19 NRSV) Because of Abraham’s act of faith on Mount Moriah, Jerusalem will be forever blessed. Mount Moriah is differentiated because it is recognized across the globe and forever engraved in history as the holy site in which Abraham catalyzed Jerusalem’s holy presence. Mount Moriah’s history and holy significance gives it a distinctive nature that separates it from all other places, proving Tweed’s argument of what defines a sacred …show more content…
When God stated to Solomon, “If you will walk in my statutes, obey my ordinances, and keep all my commandments by walking in them, then I will establish my promise with you, which I made to your father David. I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.” (1 King 6:12-13 NRSV) Once the Ark of the Covenant was transferred to the temple in Jerusalem, the city was showered with God’s blessings. The presence of the Holy Temple transformed the empty Jebusite area into the Jerusalem we know today. Jerusalem’s evolution from being a Jebusite city to becoming the holy capital of the world demonstrates Tweed's definition of sacred
God commanded Abraham, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you” and Abraham obeyed (Gen 22:2-3 NRSV). Out of all the possible places, God singled out Mount Moriah to be the ground in which this religious test would take place. Upon his arrival to Mount Moriah, Abraham was set to sacrifice his child, but God stopped him before he could prevail. Instead, God provided a ram to take Isaac’s place and God said, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided” (Gen 22:14 NRSV). Mount Moriah is referred to as ‘Mount of the Lord’ elevating the religious sites’ significance by attaching its self to such a holy title. The Lord then says, “I will indeed bless you…your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.” (Gen 22:17-19 NRSV) Because of Abraham’s act of faith on Mount Moriah, Jerusalem will be forever blessed. Mount Moriah is differentiated because it is recognized across the globe and forever engraved in history as the holy site in which Abraham catalyzed Jerusalem’s holy presence. Mount Moriah’s history and holy significance gives it a distinctive nature that separates it from all other places, proving Tweed’s argument of what defines a sacred …show more content…
When God stated to Solomon, “If you will walk in my statutes, obey my ordinances, and keep all my commandments by walking in them, then I will establish my promise with you, which I made to your father David. I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.” (1 King 6:12-13 NRSV) Once the Ark of the Covenant was transferred to the temple in Jerusalem, the city was showered with God’s blessings. The presence of the Holy Temple transformed the empty Jebusite area into the Jerusalem we know today. Jerusalem’s evolution from being a Jebusite city to becoming the holy capital of the world demonstrates Tweed's definition of sacred