About faith, belonging, power and myth

The Secret of the Temple

Solomon’s Temple – Then and Now. The center of the universe and a political hot spot. 

Jerusalem is the holy city of three religions and the old site of the Jewish temple, the Temple Mount, where the Muslim’s Dome of the Rock is now situated, a political hot spot. Crusaders, freemasons and many others have been preoccupied with this site the historical, religious and symbolic significance of which is unsurpassed. 

We will go back in time and follow the development of places of worship at the site, which, according to the Bible, was first purchased by King David. We will examine how Jews, Christians and Muslims have related to the mount – and to one another – and we will visit the famous monuments: Solomon’s temple and later houses of worship. We will also talk about the hunt for the temple treasure, freemasonry and the present conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. 

Jewish Pictures: About art and the Jewish concept of art. 

For centuries it was believed that Jews had not concerned themselves with the visual arts. Judaica – Jewish ritual objects – were, of course, well-known, but Jewish art was not acknowledged as a concept until the end of the 19th century and especially in the first half of the 20th century.

This is due not least to the major breakthroughs made by archeologists, particularly the unearthing of ancient synagogues like the Syrian Synagogue in Dura-Europos but also the development of modern art in the Holy Land – both before and after the establishment of the Israeli state – as well as in the diaspora, with Chagall probably being the most famous artist. We will closely study the prohibition of pictures in Mosaic Law and examine significant motifs on the basis of the Holy Land, the annual cycle and the question of Jewish identity.

The Sepulchre and the Fountain of Life. The most holy site of Christianity. 

Situated in the center of the ancient city of Jerusalem is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre with its chaotic confusion of chapels leading to the most venerated site in the Christian world: The Holy Sepulchre. The Sepulchre and the chapel surrounding it is still a meeting place for, among other things, an important candlelight ceremony in celebration of the message of Easter: the death and resurrection of Christ.

We will visit this magical place and follow its developments from the time of Jesus to today. We will also take a closer look at how the whole idea of the Sepulchre has inspired western artists and architects, not least in light of the fine relics which the pilgrims brought back home together with ”holy sand” or ”holy oil.” The Sepulchre merged symbolically with the Fountain of Life as can be seen in Medieval art.

The Cosmic Temple. Paradise in the center of the world.  

The idea of the sanctuary as the center of the world and the Garden of Eden is ancient and can be found in many cultures. We will take a closer look at this temple cosmology with a particular focus on how it manifested itself in Medieval Europe and incorporate the astronomical view of the world of the time.

The temple cosmology is interwoven with the popular visions of the Holy City as described in Revelation and include holy gems, mountains and numbers. The shrines of the Medieval age enchanted their congregations with gorgeous colors, scents, crystals, flickering candles and liturgical processions, all of which was meant to help one’s journey toward God. Our point of departure will be a unique church in France where a synthesis of Jewish, Christian and Islamic temple cosmology can be found.

The Holy Land: About faith, belonging, power and myth

We will visit the Holy Land in words and pictures and tune in to the many diverse interpretations regarding faith, belonging, power and myth the roots of which can be traced back far in the past. Our point of departure will be present day Israel and its many voices as well as its relationship to the outside world. 

We will take a closer look at the development it has undergone in recent years, including the threat scenario in the Middle East. We will also look at how history has left its mark on the cultural development and identify some of the principal narratives, particularly reproduced in art in which Jerusalem has a key position. Film recordings with interviews, etc., are from my many trips and can be shown during the lecture or course, depending on how much time we have at our disposal. Come with an open mind and love in your heart!

Are the Bible and socalled alternative methods opposites?

There is great polarization in society today and so also many operate with a clear distinction between religion and spirituality – between Christianity and the socalled alternative world.
But is this the whole Truth?

We will check up on what the Bible says about healing, and see how God communicates through signs. Let’s then compare with “alternative” methods… You will gain an insight into how you yourself can benefit from the countless approaches that are made available to you in the holy texts. Topics we will cover include the Bible’s view on astrology, clairvoyance, reading omens, etc. We will also check up on how the early church interpreted the texts and practised mysticism.

End-time Prophecies and Visions

Eschatology in Jewish, Christian and Islamic art and tradition.

End-time prophecies have always fascinated people and given inspiration to numerous pictures, books, films.… For example, millions watch the most incredible scenarios on You tube. What do the Holy Scriptures in fact say about the final days and can we compare those claims with actual events happening in regard to the climate, as well as political and cultural events?

We will look more closely at the concept of eschatology and compare Jewish, Christian and Islamic texts against one another. What is their belief? What is the fate of humanity? And how will it all end? We will, among other things, meet the prophets of the Old Testament and look into the magical book, The Revelation of John, dealing with the apocalypse and salvation as well as gain an insight as to how Islam links it all up – only in reverse.

The Magical Garden. Plants of the Bible.

A pilgrim’s journey to the Holy Land in pictures and fragrances.

”Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of incence” (Song of Songs 4:6). We will find inspiration in the beautiful texts in which trees, bushes, herbs and flowers are included in rituals and ceremonies, love and sensuality. And if you wish you can purchase an oil or two to take home with you.

Incense and oils were used for the anointing of kings and priests, just like the scent of sacred oils still fill present day churches around the world. The almond tree was the source of inspiration for the seven-branched candelabrum, Joseph’s brothers brought rockrose with them to Egypt, cedar wood and cypress were used for the king’s palace and temple in Jerusalem. You will have the opportunity to smell different fragrances and if you wish we can also perform an anointment ceremony to evoke the light and beauty in you and in the world.