The Deep: Religion

In our research we shall base on three religious virtual site which are: Western Wall, Jerusalem (Judaism), Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome (Catholicism) and Great Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Islam). Preliminary Research Western Wall, Jerusalem (Judaism) is a historic Jerusalem wall made of limestone. It's a relatively modest section of a much older retaining wall that is also referred to as “Western Wall" in its entirety. The wall was first built as part of the Second Jewish Temple's expansion, which Herod the Great started. As a result, the natural, sharp hill known as the Temple Mount was encased in a massive rectangular building with a flat platform on top, providing more room for the Temple on its own, its auxiliary structures, and throngs of worshipers and tourists. Judaism attributes the Western Wall's sacredness to its closeness towards the Temple Mount. Although the location of Holy of Holies, the most sacred spot in the Jewish faith, is behind it, the Wall is the holiest area where all Jews are permitted to pray due to entry restrictions on the Temple Mount (Raj et., al 2017). The naturally occurring, elliptical Temple Mount was enlarged to provide room for an expanding Temple complex to be constructed above it. The Mount was finally encircled by Herod, who used massive fragments and earth fillings to give the original hill a geometrically shape and built retaining walls that were nearly rectangular in shape. These walls were designed to hold the Temple platform. Herod erected a huge paved platform that encircled the Temple on pinnacle of this box-like construction. The western retaining wall is the most hallowed spot acknowledged by Judaism outside of the historic Temple Mount platform because it is thought to be closest to the actual Holy of Holies.

The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome (Catholicism) is indeed the cathedral chapel of the Diocesan of Rome, situated in the capital of Rome, and also serves as the pope's residence. The archbasilica is situated outside of the actual Vatican City, which is situated about four kilometres (2.5 miles) to the northwest. The Lateran Treaty of 1929 stipulates that the archbasilica and its surrounding structures enjoy extraterritorial character from Italy because they are holdings of the Holy. The church, which has the distinctive designation of "archbasilica," is the oldest and tallest of the four principal papal basilicas and one of the Seven Pilgrimage Churches of Rome. It was built in 324,

making it the oldest basilica in the Western world as well as the oldest existing church in Rome (Raj et., al 2017). It is known as the universal mother chapel of the Roman Catholic faithful and contains the cathedral of the Roman bishop. During the Middle Ages, the structure deteriorated and was severely destroyed by numerous fires within 14th century. During Pope Sixtus V's rule in late 16th century, it was reconstructed. The inside of the new building was refurbished in the 17th century, and Pope Clement XII oversaw the completion of the façade in 1735. Priest Archpriest Angelo De Donatis, the Administrator General for the Diocesan of Rome, is the current rector Great Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Islam) is a mosque which encircles in Mecca, which is located in Saudi Arabia's Mecca Province. It is a place of pilgrimage for the Hajj, which is a minor pilgrimage and is performed at any period of the year and which every Muslim is required to perform once in their lifetimes. Both pilgrimages entail circling the Kaaba inside the mosque as part of their rituals. Besides the Black Stone, the Maqam Ibrahim, Zamzam Well, and the mountains of Safa and Marwa, the Great Mosque is home to numerous prominent landmarks (Raj et., al 2017). The Great Mosque will overtake all other mosques as of August 2020. Over the years, it has undergone extensive modifications and expansions. After been governed by a number of caliphs, sultans, and kings, it is currently in the custody of King Salman of Saudi Arabia, also known as the Guardian of the two sacred mosques. In the Eritrean city of Massawa, the Great Mosque and the Mosque of the Companions compete and Medina's Quba Mosque, which is the oldest mosque. Islam as a religion, thus according Islamic tradition, predates Muhammad, symbolizing earlier prophets including Abraham (King et., al 2021). Muslims attribute Abraham's construction of the Kaaba at Mecca and its sanctuary to him. The Kaaba is regarded by Muslims as the earliest mosque that has ever existed. Other scholars assert that the beginning of Islam and the development of structures like the mosque occurred during the lifespan of Muhammad, which occurred in the seventh century CE. If so, either Quba Mosque or Mosque of Companions would be the initial mosque ever constructed in the Islam's history. Field research In the Western Wall, Jerusalem (Judaism) every year, pilgrims of various religions come to the wall to pay their respects and offer prayers (King et., al 2021). These prayers are typically said aloud or write down and tuck into the crevices of the walls. Additionally, people slip pieces of small paper with prayers on them between the gaps in the wall. Jews consider the wall to be a representation of God's presence, and many hold that God could actually see what is inscribed on it. Women who intend to visit the wall must be appropriately attired, preferably in long skirts and shirts with sleeves. In Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, it is a sanctuary of devotion where certain daily Masses are celebrated, all popes were installed. There are several old customs at the Lateran that are noteworthy. In the Basilica, the Devotion of Basilica of St. John Lateran Feast commemorates Pope Sylvester I's dedication of Rome's cathedral church in 324. The Pope, the Roman bishop, sits in the cathedral of this church. In Great Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Islam), Several pilgrimage ceremonies are performed at this location, which has a covered prayer area around a rectangular centre courtyard. Muslims all

over the world pray facing this shrine. It is one of the stops of a hajj, a pilgrimage that each and every Muslim is obligated to perform at least once during their lives. As a result, the Temple of Mecca receives millions of worshipers each year. is the location of an additional unusual annual celebration known as the Crepissage de la Grand Mosquée. Supplementary research After my research I was left surprised on many of the religious sites had more than one alters which were at the same temple. Consequently, the religious site for the Islam were only for them which is different from the rest (King et., al 2021). My big question was how the power which is in control of the religious sites different from each other, that they all believed in the same supernatural being while the denominations have each own style of worshipping the God. Some were not able to answer our questions about what made them to establish their own religious site rather than joining the rest and worship the same God. In addition, I did not understand well why all the three religious can not join at the same place and worship yet they have a target of common heaven Importance of the three sites within its religious tradition Due of its proximity to the Western Wall, Jerusalem (Judaism), the Wall is revered as holy. Jewish Jews believe that the Western Wall is the finest alternative because they are unable to pray on the Temple Mount platform itself owing to entrance restrictions (King et., al 2021). In reference to the custom of Jews sobbing at the location over the demolition of the temples, the wall is occasionally referred to as the Wailing Wall. However, during the time of Roman domination, when Jews were absolutely forbidden from Jerusalem. The day of mourning period for the destroyed Temples, this expression was commonly used by Christians. As a result, while it is frequently used, most Jews (especially the observant) do not refer to this hallowed site as the "Wailing Wall," which some Jews may find offensive. Many of Jews believe that after praying at that place all of their sins are eroded and God will provide for them. Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome (Catholicism) The teachings of Christ are crucial. That message is spread through the church that Jesus founded and gave to his disciple Peter to lead. One, because it has such a large following. Simply said, there are a lot of Roman Catholics in almost every nation. Second, there is a single leader who represents all of these individuals (King et., al 2021). His voice is forceful as a result. This makes the importance of the religious site connected with the tradition of the society for they were doing since early days. In Great Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Islam) has a has a total floor space of 356,000 square meters, or 3,831,952 square feet, and it can hold up to 770,000 worshipers. Every Muslim is required to conduct haj once within their lifespan if they possess the financial means, according to one of Islam's five pillars. This is one of the importance which makes it great since many worshippers can gather there at a time. The Great Mosque also has developed into the heart of Mali's cultural life and religious as well as that of the Djenné neighbourhood. The Crepissage Grand Mosquée, an unusual annual celebration, is held there as well.

Compare and contrast the three sites and rituals associated with In both the three religions their usage of holy scriptures which intend to guide the followers on how to live on the right ways which are pleasing to their God and each have specialised inspired individuals who write and intemperate it for the other followers. Both also sing songs which have praises to the Lord and are sung while they are humbled (Beckerlegge et., al 2017). In all the three religions have common and unique names which they use to call their maker and use in the praise of Him and as a sign of humbleness. Jerusalem plays a big role in both of the three which states that both of them originate from Jerusalem. In contrast, the In Great Mosque of Mecca do have their fellowships on Fridays while the rest have their sabbath day as Sunday which is a difference. Each of the three, have their own procedure of running their services having prayer books which are wrought different from each other. Are they similar or different? From my research, both the religious sites and their tradition are similar since they believe in the same supernatural being which have power of everything in the earth (Beckerlegge et., al 2017). To add on, both have the same ways of living where they control themselves not to do the bad but follow the correct ways not to be punished by the God Was the research helpful? And conclude on personal reaction to the virtual visits As I wrap it up, the research was so interesting for I was able to know the cultural ways of three religions and their origin together with their beliefs. The virtual visit was of important to know the beginning of the three religion sites and how each is different from the rest. The virtual visit helped me first by constructing an immaterial mental landscape that originates from revered oral or written traditions (Beckerlegge et., al 2017). Also functions as a visual-auditory interactive medium for encountering a sense of holy presence. My opinions about religion were confirmed by visiting the site in many ways; I proofed the existence of religion which helps its followers to live a sacred life and have hope in times of needy. Moreover, the religion builds faith in ourselves and the self-courage to face challenges in the life. preference.

Submitted: November 08, 2024

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