With a fascinating past and turbulent present, Jerusalem is a city like no other. From its founding 6,000 years ago to the present day, Jerusalem has gripped the hearts of the faithful worldwide. Thousands of books have been written about its religious significance and history. Now, you too will have the opportunity to explore what lies beneath the city’s streets, homes, and shops. In this course, you will learn about the Holy City’s history, its spiritual significance, the treatment of the city in the Bible, and archaeological discoveries throughout the city. Believers in the One God, whether they are Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, consider Jerusalem a sacred place. Under the guidance of Fr. Leslie J. Hoppe, O.F.M., Ph.D., an expert on the Holy Land, you will look at Jerusalem’s special status in these religions. You will also explore the centrality of the city in the Hebrew Bible, which provides the basis for the city’s uniqueness, and in the New Testament. In addition to examining the Holy City’s story through sacred literature, you will also discover its rich history by exploring the archaeology of the city. If you are interested in the contemporary issue of Jerusalem’s political status, this series will broaden your horizons. The story of the city and its people over the millennia is a fascinating study of the human spirit in seeking an experience of the Divine.