Today during lecture we further expanded upon the characteristics that define a sacred space and the elements that might help us understand why Jerusalem is viewed as such a sacred city. We continued the discussion on how and why a sacred place should be constructed. Specifically, Professor Cargill deemed that a sacred space must be founded with a story or belief behind it. For example, Mesopotamian Temples were built under the belief of the Babylonian creation story and the belief that the architectural plans were lowered from heaven. Due to this divine message, the plans and appearance of these structures could not be contested.
Next we discussed the importance of consecration and the necessity to deem a place as sacred through stories and biblical references. These stories and references attract attention (although they may not all be true). For example, specific language in the book of Genesis is used to portray Jerusalem's importance. Genesis 14:17-20 states "And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. " This reference to "Salem" was probably used by many when constructing Jerusalem's consecration. Finally, we learned how sacred space was expanded upon to create a sacred time, the Sabbath. The Sabbath was important because sacred spaces were destroyed, leaving the Jewish people the option to still believe. Due to all this construction and consecration, Jerusalem soon became the Axis Mundi or "Center of the World". This was verified further by more biblical references such as the Cosmic Mountain and the Place of the Underworld.
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