Biblical Environmental Factors

A rather obvious and transparent principle I recently learned on a Jerusalem field study is a concept of effective environmental genesis. From birth, how and where we grow up dramatically affects and colors our world view. The Biblical authors were heavily influenced by their culture and geographical features of the land. The accounts recorded in the Bible are a product of cultural paradigms grounded in the reality of space and time. Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

A view from the watershed ridge route (traversed by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) into the Hinnom Valley.

From the ridge route looking at Mt. Zion and the JUC campus.

A closer view of Mt. Zion.

Off in the distance you can see the Arab-Israeli dividing wall.

Ancient 1st century steps leading up to Herod's palace which would have been behind the wall. Jesus would have ascended these steps to visit Herod the night before his death.

Same stairs.

Same stairs.

The Western Wall.

View of the Dome of the Rock.

Sunset from my balcony.

Same sunset with a bird.