Rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple: Pagan, Jewish and Christian Conceptions
Millar F.
The destruction of the Temple by Roman forces under Titus in CE 70 represents a major turning-point in the religious history of the world. It is also one whose consequences are with us still, as the presence of the Dome of the Rock on the site of the Temple forcibly reminds us. With the destruction of the building went the ending of daily sacrificial cult as a central element in Judaism, and with it the role of priests in serving in the Temple, along with the position of High Priest. We may well ask, though we cannot answer, the question of what would have been the consequences for both Judaism and Christianity, and for either pagan or Jewish converts to Christian- ity, if the Temple had survived, or had been restored.
Keywords: Jerusalem, Temple, Judaism, Christianity, religion