I would like to continue the discussion from Monday, regarding the strengthening effects of exile. Particularly, I thoroughly enjoyed Armstrong's position on the exile, as expressed in Chapter 5. The exile had a profound effect on consolidating the faith of the Yaweh cult. As discussed, the religious form thus far had been a highly syncretic system. Within Babylonia, the exiles proceeded through various forms of culture shock. Some integrated, while others recessed into a stronger form of religion. In an effort to validate the destruction of the Temple (and its implications) within the religious paradigm, these exiles stressed the Law of Moses and "punishment" theory. This emphasis on the Law of Moses was substantial in creating the "present" iteration of Judaism. Furthermore, the creation of the "punishment" justification allowed the exiles to preserve the religion, despite an action (Temple destruction) that would have killed lesser gods. The justification also provided an impetus to please their god and return to the idealized "Promised Land", as to make amends and avoid future punishment.
In addition to consolidating the group's religion, the exile heightened the importance of Jerusalem and desire to return. The Babylonian's ripped Jerusalem from its usual controllers; this validated the Israelite claim to Jerusalem even more. By possessing Jerusalem, Babylon heightened its value. It also created a sense of "rightful ownership", with the "Promised Land" myth.
This effect is worth considering in relation to the present day conflict over Jerusalem. Both factions have been removed from a land they call "sacred". In an attempt to lock out one side or the other, each faction is only heightening the sense of ownership and desire to return in the other.
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