Chapter 5--8

I was really impressed by how descriptive Armstrong was in Chapter 5, “Exile and Return”.  Throughout the entire chapter I imagined myself, family and friends, and how we would react to being in exile.  I struggled to understand how we would cope and be able to remain productive somewhere other than home.  The following quote made me begin to develop an understanding of how these individuals survived the distress of the exile:

 “The history of religion shows that in times of crisis and upheaval people turn more readily to myth than to the more rational forms of faith. As a form of psychology, myth can penetrate deeper than cerebral discourse and touch the obscure cause of distress in the farthest reaches of our being.  In our own day, we have seen that exile involves far more than a change of address. It is also a spiritual dislocation.”

Prior to coming across this quote it had never crossed my mind that myth would be relied on in times of difficulty.  I consider myself a rather logical and realistic thinker, and when under stress I attempt to create a plan and stick to it.  However, this quote made me realize that in some instances it can be beneficial to take a step back from reality and focus on ideas and themes that have been passed down throughout time, in this case stories of Zion, can help one regain a sense of peace. 

I also found it interesting that another reaction to the exile was concentrating on the “Law of Moses”.  Exiles engaged in practices that made them stand out from the others around them such as circumcising their male children, adopting special food laws, not working on the Sabbath, etc.  Armstrong stated that “They were to be a ‘holy’ people, as distinct and separate as their god”.  This made me question why I follow Jewish practices.  Is it because it separates me from those who are not Jewish?  Would I consider myself a Jew if I did not follow these practices?  Why do we feel the need to act distinctly if we already have a clear set of beliefs and practices to follow? As I continue to read more throughout this class and explore my religion, I hope to gain the ability to answer these questions.