In Theory

The conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas seems to be getting worse by the minute. Hundreds of people have died, and scores have been injured. What do you believe is the right path to peace in this conflict?

This question asks me, as Job says, to “speak what I do not understand; things too marvelous for me, which I do not know” (Job 42:3). And like Job, rather than ‘hiding counsel without knowledge,’ I must only ‘repent in dust and ashes’ before the enormity of my own ignorance.

It’s worse than ignorance, really. It’s a willful unknowing, a stubborn refusal to investigate in any way the challenges and suffering, the cultural and spiritual needs, and the competing legitimate claims and truths of my Jewish, Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East.

There are plenty of books outlining the issues, plenty of people who would explain if I asked. But I do not ask, I do not buy those books, I don’t even try to know anything about it.

It’s partly my idiotic American insularity from the concerns of the rest of the world; partly my Christian arrogance, which hasn’t delved deeply into other world religions since that token course in college; partly my personal weakness, that wants to shield my little bit of happiness from the violence and pain which parade across the news, images from an unsafe world which I want to keep far away.

And probably, mostly, it’s about a hideous self-centeredness, which focuses all of my attention on getting through the petty tasks and dramas of my own day, without any regard for the people around the corner, much less the wider life of humanity.

Swathed in this cloud of willful ignorance, I must remain, repentant, on my heap of dust and ashes. Greater hearts and minds than mine, people thoroughly versed and immersed in the issues, have tried and failed to find a peaceful compromise. I leave it to them to keep trying, while I offer my weak half-felt prayers for peace, and continue to face down the demons of my selfish uncaring in the face of my neighbors’ pain.

 AMY PRINGLE is rector of St. Geroge’s Episcopal Church . Reach her at (818) 790-3323.