Assignment 7

Read the three World Religions Reader assignments: "The Sacred Space of Judaism", "The Politics of Holiness in Jerusalem" and "The Dome of the Rock".

Briefly summarize the major points of each piece. What stands out for you? What do you make of the differing points of view? How can the study of religion help one understand these differences? Remember that the study of religion is not merely an analysis of different belief systems. Choose a particular theory or combination of theories about the sacred, myth, and communities that you find helpful, such as Otto, Eliade, Turner, and/or Durkheim.

Write up the results of your analysis in a 2 page typed paper. Make sure your response is not just an opinion piece but is supported by evidence from at least 3 of the excerpts you read.