Why Jerusalem is so important to Muslims, Christians and Jews

[yallerdawg]

Bad things can happen when you dismiss the beliefs of others.


Source: Washington Post, by Michael Schulson

*****

For decades, most of the international community, including the United States, has declined to officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital until a peace deal could be reached between Israelis and Palestinians, since both sides claim the city as a capital. The newest debates threaten to revive decades of controversy over international borders, possible peace deals and land claims.

*****

Around the world, Jews pray facing Jerusalem. Jewish rabbinical teachings hold that when the Messiah comes, the temple will be rebuilt. Today, one of the old retaining walls of the Temple — called the Western Wall — is a principal worship site for Jews.

For Christians, Jerusalem is also the place where Jesus preached, died and was resurrected. Many also see the city as central to an imminent Second Coming of Jesus. Jerusalem is now a major pilgrimage site for Christians from around the world.

For Muslims, Jerusalem is a site of key events in the life of Jesus and other important figures. It’s also the spot where, according to traditional interpretations of the Koran and other texts, the prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Mohammed was carried from Mecca to Jerusalem, and then from Jerusalem into the heavens, where he conversed with prophets before returning to earth. For more than 1,300 years, there have been Muslim shrines in Jerusalem.

*****

Still, while Jerusalem’s history is a test-case in religious violence, it’s also a laboratory of pluralism. For better or for worse, few cities can boast such religious diversity. The question now is whether Trump’s announcement will tip whatever pluralistic balance exists today.


Read it all at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/12/06/questions-about-jerusalem-you-were-afraid-to-ask/

[MineralMan]

1. "Bad things can happen when you dismiss the beliefs of others."

That's what you take from this? Really?

I'm assuming that those are your words, and represent your comment on this story. Right?

Where did that come from, in the context of this article about the religious makeup of Jerusalem? It is a city divided by ancient prejudices and hatreds. It barely survives this animosity among its residents, and now, one element appears to be forcing its control on the entire city.

It's not a matter of anyone "dismissing" the beliefs of others. Its a matter of hatred of those beliefs, from all sides. Jerusalem is an example of the ugliness of religious disputes in general. It's not about disbelief or dismissal of belief. It is about feelings of superiority of particular beliefs.

Note: Incidentally, you have exceeded the allowable excerpt size in your OP. The Washington Post, which is behind a paywall, is very sensitive to such copyright issues. Four paragraphs is the rule. You have included more than that, along with a copyright-protected graphic. That puts Democratic Underground at legal risk.

[yallerdawg]

2. THIS is what I am talking about.

Israeli forces kill dozens in Gaza as U.S. Embassy opens in Jerusalem

Israeli troops shot dead dozens of Palestinian protesters on the Gaza border on Monday as the United States opened its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, a move that has fueled Palestinian anger and drawn foreign criticism that it undermines peace efforts.

It was the bloodiest single day for Palestinians since the Gaza conflict in 2014. Palestinian Health Ministry officials said 55 protesters were killed and 2,700 injured either by live gunfire, tear gas or other means.

[MineralMan]

3. You did not mention that in your original post.

There is no pluralism in evidence, only factionalism and violence. The Trump Administration is throwing gasoline on that fire with its symbolic "Embassy" in Jerusalem. To what end, one wonders?

As usual, we're not helping.

Perhaps more clarity in voicing your opinion would be better. Your opinion was not at all clear.

[Major Nikon]

4. It was quite clear

The intent was to take a tragedy and use it for a specific agenda that has absolutely nothing to do with the tragedy.

[MineralMan]

5. That's how I read it, too.

Oh, well...

[Mariana]

6. The implicit threat of violence is a nice touch. nt.

[MineralMan]

7. Nice philosophy you got there...

We wouldn't want nothing should happen to it. Best to keep quiet about it, see...

[guillaumeb]

8. Right.

[Major Nikon]

10. "Bad things can happen when you dismiss the beliefs of others."

Yeah right.

[guillaumeb]

11. Like your "mansplaining" quote in another thread?

Right.

[Major Nikon]

12. Very telling how you are trying to get mileage out of a post made before you allegedly got here

Also very telling how you are deliberately misusing a term that is sexist to begin with while simultaneously dragging issues totally unrelated to this forum in clear violation of the SOP.

However, if that's the game you want to play, perhaps with every single post you make we should reopen how you were carrying water for a Trump supporter and AIDS denialist. I'm pretty sure that actually does have something to do with the SOP of this forum.

[guillaumeb]

14. Making an accusation?

Perhaps you are unaware, but the search function works quite well.

[Major Nikon]

17. Yes

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=283961

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=283964

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=283960

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=283987

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=283703

[guillaumeb]

18. And do you still hold these beliefs?

[Major Nikon]

19. Reread my post

[yallerdawg]

13. It's very confusing when a simple expository post -

at the start of Ramadan, I might add - can generate so much hateful enmity.

For those who repeatedly complain about how their opinions are not tolerated, just in this OP multiple times have they threatened to silence people who have differing opinions.

[guillaumeb]

15. All an essential part of the 11th Commandment.

Stopping dialogue and keeping what dialogue there is in very narrow boundaries.

[Major Nikon]

16. Stalking

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=283961

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=283964

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=283960

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=283987

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1218&pid=283703

[edhopper]

9. Mohammed was never in Jerusalem

alive or dead.
And the rock in the Dome of the Rocks a joke. (mythically where Abraham almost sacrificed Isaac) as some one said, ,,"you must be putting me on"
Its as legitimate as the Church of the Sepluchre. Another sham. Wars fought over fantasies.