Between a Canon and a Holy Place

June 14^th was our 2^nd day studying in Jerusalem. I don’t want to lose you at the word “class” but I’ll take the risk for just a second. When learning about Biblical geography it is important to understand that it played a role in many aspects of life in the region. (like any geographical setting does) For example, the vast exploration, West of the Mississippi, can be argued as, playing a vital role in expanding the power of the US. Therefore, the geology and geography would have had a role in shaping civilization in the region of Israel. It defined roads, strategic battle plans and basic living methods. We discussed the life of a Shepherd and a Farmer; learning different lifestyles each possessed and how the geographical settings affected their roles in the land.  

Prior to venturing out into the Old City again for another field study we were given a few short passages from the Bible: Psalms 122, Isaiah 9:6,7 and Isaiah 2:2.

My gracious brother allowed me to bring his very expensive cannon camera on my 3-week adventure to Israel. With no experience using a camera like this (other than my $100 7mp cannon - I hardly use) I was anxious to teach myself how to use his; learning all the funky little functions and settings ect. As I began to play around with it I quickly felt the power of taking pictures. And -- I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the "massive" camera over the more compact one that I owned. I always thought the smaller cameras were better…I had been wrong.

It was fun to look through the viewfinder of the camera and snap the picture. Used to seeing my "shot" on a screen, I now had a more accurate idea of what I was snapping a photo at. So, this time I was constantly placing my eyes between the camera’s viewfinder and shooting at my target. I soon found myself "special" targets, which happened to be at a number of “Holy Places”.

I became attached to my cannon due to the fact that I was a novice at capturing these "Holy Places" artistically and logically. It was fun and engaging to experience the places we went, behind the cannon; using different angles, lighting and camera settings. It was as if I could not experience where I was at or take in what I had seen without looking through the viewfinder. I found myself desiring a logical shot of the site as well as an aesthetically pleasing one for the eye. I wrestled with spending the short amount of time; snapping photos or reflecting on where I was at. Sometimes the I chose the Cannon and other times I chose to reflect. 

My expectation of how I would feel when I was at these “Holy Places”, was not what I experienced. Prior to coming I expected to be mesmerized and in awe, but in a way it was anti-climactic. I hate to say this because in no way do I regret visiting these places, but the feelings of expectations and desire to visit, when I saw them in a picture at home was not what I experienced when I arrived. I soon realized I didn't have any spiritual feelings or life changing epiphanies. Attached to this lack of revere was the fact that churches had been built over many of the Holy places and it distracted me from focusing on God and His son's possible presence at my very location.

Spiritual feelings aside, I was fascinated by what was inside of these Churches. The architecture, art and history captured my attention. The fact I had the power of a Cannon to replay the memory of being there begged me that much more, to place myself behind the lens, which stood between me and the "Holy Place". Thus the inner struggle of remembering where I was at, but also wanting to snap a “pretty” picture reminded me of church history, when we discussed the iconoclast controversy. A debate in the church that has had lasting ramifications; the argument of whether or not images in the church should be allowed. The argument for those who desired images was that it brought glory and attention to God in the Church. Whereas, iconoclasts rejected images within the church. They argued, images served as another form of idol worship. Where before I might have said, let the men keep their pictures, I have a better understanding of how art could have jeopardized others ability to worship and focus on God. 

I concluded that it was okay not to have the feelings I was expecting at these sites. God was not judging me based on how I felt at a place on a map or a site dedicated to Him. While I Love Israel and Enjoyed every second at those “Holy Places”; I realized I have experienced God more fully, in the young nation of America. A place where no “Holy place” exists, but God’s creation does. A reminder to myself; a ‘bursted bubble’ for some-- you can experience the Love and Joy of knowing the Lord anywhere on Earth. While being at those “Holy Places” intrigued me as a history student, it did nothing for me spiritually. Of course that is my personal experience. I am not here to say you cannot or should not feel something if you visit. But I think it's okay if you don’t. 

Near the roof of the Upper Room

Our second field day was in Jerusalem where we began on the roof of the Holy Mother of Zion church. This is a location argued by many where the Last Supper may have occurred, as well, where the first century church had it’s beginnings and possibly the location of the Jerusalem Council. We also visited David’s Archeological Park. This area is on the excavations surrounding part of the temple. We ended up at the temple steps of the Southern Wall. Most likely where Jesus would have taught. John 7

View of the Temple Steps at the Southern Wall, after visiting David's Archeological Park

We finished up at St. Anne's Cathedral and the Pool of Bethesda. As a class we entered the church and were able to experience the impressive acoustics. Aubrey invited Faith, up to sing, so we could experience the sound. Then Aurbey sang a hymm and we were then led by Dr. Beyer to sing Amazing Grace. Singing Amazin Grace as a group in this church was something that awed me. I love hearing people worship God, and reflecting upon the Grace of God as a group in this Church was a great experience- So thanks Dr. Beyer for suggesting that!

Inside St. Anne's Cathedral: Aubrey lifting up her voice to God