Response to chapter 14 and 15

The misconstrued concept of Jihad is something I'm glad was addressed in the chapter because there is so much misinformation on this ideal. Jihad is not tied to a holy war, a misconception grossly propagated in today's society by the media, westerners, and some of the Muslim population. The correct usage is "struggle" and is not a holy war theme but one that is meant as a quest for a closer relationship with God. I find that the underlying themes of peace and brotherhood that are innately embedded in religion are often manipulated by people as used for power and exclusion, cloaking human desires under a religious tone. This theme is presented with the word Jihad and the way it has been conditioned to for exclusionary purposes and an ultimate battle with those who do not follow the teachings. Once again the theme of outside conquest with the destruction and construction of Jerusalem is presented through the Ottoman takeover of the city. The city it seems can not overcome this fate as if it is inescapable. It seems that at a point each monotheistic religion did have tolerance for different religions. Religion is supposed to bring people together but it seems, especially in this region, that all the concept does is exclude and cause conflict. After reading this I find this assumption is correlated with power and claims to land which have exasperated conflict in the region and has been grossly simplified. I think that the history presented in the first fifteen chapters was necessary so that we as a class would not fall victim to oversimplifying the conflict in Jerusalem and also have a better understanding of the complexities that have plagued the region. Reading these chapter has defintly changed by perspective not only on the city of Jerusalem but in religion in general.