Test Driving Theology

With heartbreak and horror, we have watched conflict and violence erupt in Israel and within the Gaza Strip.  The destruction, death, and broken lives that we see in the news takes your breath away. 

There are no simple solutions to conflict that has, for decades, erupted in deep emotion and intense political debates. This conflict is complicated, and issues of faith, land, history, ethnicity, and anger are all twisted together.  Sudden attacks that target the innocent can never be tolerated.

As people who follow Jesus, we are called upon by our faith to offer prayers and seek understanding, not just for one side but for both, for in the eyes God, every life is of infinite value.

Our Christian tradition emphasizes core values of love, mercy, and understanding. From this foundation, it becomes clear why we pray for peace for both Israeli and Palestinian people.

As followers of Christ, we are reminded of his teachings on love and peace. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). The pursuit of peace, then, is not merely a political or diplomatic act, but a spiritual calling. When we pray for peace in the Middle East, we are aligning ourselves with the very heart of the Gospel, which is a message of reconciliation and grace.

We also believe everyone, regardless of where you are born or where you live, is created in the image of God. This belief underscores the basic worth and dignity of every person.  When we pray for peace, we are praying for the well-being, safety, and flourishing of every individual affected by the conflict.

As people of faith, we understand grace. Just as we believe that we are saved by grace through faith, we also believe in extending that grace to others. The conflict in the Middle East is laden with historical wounds and mistrust. Yet, in the face of deep divisions, our faith calls us to be agents of grace.  We advocate for understanding, and reconciliation.

Finally, praying for peace in the region is also an act of solidarity with our Christian siblings who live there. The Christian community in the Middle East has an ancient and rich history. Their well-being, like that of their Jewish and Muslim neighbors, is dependent on the broader peace and stability of the region. Our prayers are also an expression of our connection and concern for the global body of Christ.

The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is complex and charged with historical, political, and religious dimensions. Our call to pray for peace is clear. Grounded in the teachings of Christ, we are compelled to seek the welfare of all people in the region, irrespective of their ethnicity or religion. In a world that often demands taking sides, we must stand firmly in the middle, hands lifted in prayer, advocating for peace, understanding, and grace for all.

Please join me in prayer.

This post was first published in the Owatonna People’s Press on October 28, 2023.