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Is what is considered a 'temple' and what is not considered a 'temple' something all laypeople and scholars agree on? (anecdotally, I've discovered some people
by err4nt 6y ago
Is what is considered a 'temple' and what is not considered a 'temple' something all laypeople and scholars agree on?
(anecdotally, I've discovered some people have very strong reactions to the word 'temple' being used for certain buildings, and I am curious to know why - haven't figured out why for the people I know yet, but be aware it's not going to be a conflict-free term either)
- HarryHirsch 6y agoFirst time I ever hear about the word "temple" causing strong emotions. Are you referring to disagreements in Jewish schools of thought whether a prayerhouse should be called "temple", "synagogue" or something else?
- err4nt 6y agoI've heard Jews and Christians having issues with their own buildings, and other buildings being called 'temple', so all I know is that's not the silver bullet if you're trying to do a word swap. I think the right way to go is to generalize so we're not reading more into it than we know, "religious building" or "religious site", "religious area", or maybe "ceremonial building" if you're not sure the nature of the use. On the other hand, if you are certain about what it was, then you can be specific and it won't be wrong or need correcting.