2/22/2011

Topics Covered

- Rise of Christianity and Metaphysical Jerusalem

- Controversies

- NT Apocalypses about Jerusalem

- Spiritual destruction of Jerusalem

- Death, burial, resurrection

- Byzantine History

- Helena’s Jerusalem

- Pilgrimage

- Church of the Holy Sepulcher

After the destruction, faith became more of a metaphysical instead of a physical since they physical was no longer in existence. As such, the concept of spirituality became more and more popular. Jesus capitalized on this and, as he said that he predicted the destruction, changed faith and said that now actions define the kingdom, and not so much religious practice. The idea of being a good citizen or a good person were what were really important in addition to faith and belief.

During Helena’s Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher becomes the new axis mundi of Jerusalem and not the Temple Mount. Pilgrimages begin to Jerusalem, and as a result we see the building of many churches in Jerusalem such as the Nea Church or the Church of Holy Zion. The Cardo was changed into a ceremonial promenade. Jewish pilgrimages existed as well during this time, but unlike before the destruction when the Jews would travel to the Temple during the 3 pilgrimage festivals, now it was on the 9^th of Av – the only time they were allowed to come into Jerusalem after its destruction.