Fourth Reading Response

As I read through this section of reading I struggled to keep straight in my mind the specific reasons for the Jews different revolts against outside rulers and the names and philosophies behind the varying groups that advocated different forms of rule in Israel. Putting aside this confusion I still learned a lot about the ancient history of Israel/Palestine. Before I had read these chapters I was already familiar with the fact that the Romans ruled Palestine, but I was unaware that the Greeks and Babylonians had also ruled this land for a time. 

I am not a religious person, and therefore have never been very knowledgable about the intricacies of how different religions practice their faiths. What I did learn about the Jewish faith and the practice of religion in general was very intriguing. I knew that animal sacrifice had formerly been a part of the practice of Judaism, but I didn't know to what extent. I was surprised to read how animal sacrifice was the predominate activity at the Temple Mount. I found Armstrong's explanation interesting, how ancient religions focused much more on ritual animal sacrifice than upon organized prayer that we see so much more today. I am curious as to what led to the decline of sacrifice. Was it seen as being wasteful? Did people no longer see a benefit in its practice? This is a question that I would like to know more about.