Armstrong, Ch. 1-4

So far I think that this book is perfect reading material for this class. I love religious history, and the first few chapters have succeeded in explaining where monotheism all began. In chapter 1, Armstrong describes  the idea of the sacred, which I believe is important to define before one begins to study a religion. The idea of something sacred is the foundation for any religion. Armstrong explains why having something 'sacred' is the first priority in civilizations.  Armstrong quotes that, "We are meaning-seeking creatures," which I believe is the perfect way to describe mankind. This idea of the sacred has always fascinated me; I love learning about world religions and beliefs. I took a course called "Sacred Places" last year and it focused on the idea of the sacred and how it is interpreted among cultures. What I concluded from this class is that despite what religion you follow or in what part of the world you live, all people have followed this idea of the 'sacred.' Along with water and food, the divine is what the majority of mankind needs. This is obvious, but I still wonder why?

Armstrong explains that communities settle depending on sacredness. If something sacred was discovered or established, people would flock in its direction so that they can live in its presence. Whole communities were established around temples or sites where the divine was revealed. I agree with Armstrong in that people need a higher meaning in their life or something to look forward to. People find hope, security, meaning, and paradise in the divine.

Later in Chapter 3, the controversy of religion and politics was brought to my attention. Armstrong explains that David added a "strong political element" when he brought the Ark to his city. The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object at this time, so bringing it to his city helped build power and prestige. Simultaneously, David was firmly establishing the belief in Yahweh, and gradually building his own empire.

This is an issue that is seen throughout the world today: the mixture of religion and politics. Religion and politics are on two different sides of the spectrum, yet they still go hand in hand. When they are fused together, only problems can result. By bringing the most sacred object to a city, that city gains prestige because it is religiously affiliated. On the other hand by having the sacred established in a developing city, the religion will gain followers and become more established. It makes you wonder if the mixture of religion and politics is intentional or not, maybe it is just inevitable.