Study of temple vital for faith and worship

Contact: Don Otis, 719-275-7775, interviews@veritasincorporated.com

LYNCHBURG, Va., Jan. 25, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- "The Temple Mount today is the most volatile acreage on earth," says Dr. Randall Price a renowned expert on the temple. Islamic dominance of The Temple Mount has long been a source of contention, war, and countless uprisings and deaths.

It is on this holy place that Jews and Christians alike believe the first temple was built. For 1300 years, this area in Jerusalem was under the control of Muslims. It was not until Israel was attacked by her Muslim neighbors and then promptly defeated them in the Six-Day War that the Temple Mount returned to mostly Jewish control.

Israel, in an effort to keep the peace allowed Islamic authorities to retain control of what's known as The Dome of the Rock, a mosque built directly over the spot Christians and Jews believe was the location of the Holy of Holies. Beginning in 1996, Islamic authorities began removing 20,000 tons of archaeologically rich debris from the southern and eastern portions of the Temple Mount. This debris had been systematically dumped in the valley but is now being salvaged by Jewish authorities. To date tons of pottery has been reclaimed with half dating from the first and second temple periods.

Dr. Price is the author of the Rose Guide to the Temple. A Distinguished Research professor and Executive Director of the Center of Judaic Studies at Liberty University, he says "The political reality is that Islamic authorities forbid any access to the site for archaeological investigation or confirmation." Beyond the historical value, however, Price says the propaganda that accompanied the Palestinian Intifada ("uprising") in 1987, included an Islamic denial that a Jewish temple ever existed (easily dismissed based on historical evidence).

In Rose Guide to the Temple, Price says, "It's [the Temple] purpose was to make possible God's dwelling with His people. It was made to be an earthly copy of the heavenly sanctuary." Likewise, he explains the importance of the temple and its connection to the original "pre-temple sanctuary," the Garden of Eden.  ". . .  For those who seek a relationship with the God of the universe, the study of the temple is one of the most vital activities for faith and worship," says Price. The Rose Guide includes historical background, maps, charts, photos, timelines, and diagrams.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Randall price contact Don Otis at 719.275.7775 or email interviews@veritasincorporated.com. See also: www.rose-publishing.com/Rose-Guide-to-the-Temple-P1038.aspx