Last Thursday, Sir Jonathan Sacks, speaking on the "The Dignity of Difference: How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations," prescribed "role reversal" as medicine for religious tension. Judaism, Christianity and Islam are advised to turn to Genesis, the book they share in common. By studying the stories of siblings in strife-for instance, Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Ishmael and Isaac, or Joseph and his brothers-the Abrahamic faiths can be drawn closer together through a shared history of rivalry followed by reconciliation, and of violence replaced by peace.
According to Rabbi Sacks, Islamic terrorism is simply another step in this maturation. Just as Judaism and Christianity fought for thousands of years, enduring divisions from within as well as attacks from without, history is repeating itself in the lives of Jews, Christians and Muslims today. Judaism and Christianity have managed a peaceful coexistence, he says, so now both must work together to make room for Islam.
But it's easier said than done in the modern age. The Abrahamic monotheisms-faiths of the word-have been affected by revolutions of the word in times past. Scripture is the bedrock of each faith, and each one has been forced to adjust itself in times of changing communication. Islam seems to be experiencing just such a growing pain during the latest major revolution of the word-the Internet.
Just as Christianity faced deep divisions during the Reformation, so today Islam is trying to forge an identity in a post-Sept. 11 world.
Finding such identity in America allows for a conversation among differing cultures and belief systems. Participants can practice role reversal and look through the pages of Genesis, studying their personal piece of history and its connection to a broader narrative.
Of course, we have the luxury of being able to have such conversations. The United States values a plurality of voices; it was founded for religious freedom; and its laws protect citizens from harm on account of their beliefs.
The problem with Rabbi Sacks's address was not the message, it was the audience. Pardon the pun, but he's preaching to the converted.
Imagine the same speech in a madrassa in rural Pakistan or a mosque in Saudi Arabia. America is far from the perfect example of tolerance and acceptance, but can we even conceive of interfaith dialogue in Iraq or Iran?
After all, American Islam is not producing the terrorists who worry Rabbi Sacks.
Making peace with Islam in America is an important step in establishing healthy relations between the Abrahamic faiths, but this prescription is seemingly impossible to follow in the areas where it is desperately needed. Islamic terrorists, who falsely associate themselves with a religion that preaches peace, will not be inspired by the union of Islam with Christianity and Judaism in the West.
As Rabbi Sacks said, "We are back where we began." These clashes are centered in the cradle of civilization and in spite of great effort, we have witnessed at least the beginnings of a clash of civilizations in the Middle East.
But how can any message of peace across faiths have purchase, when political (and economic) forces often thrust us into conflict? Are we only capable of changing the home front, or can we achieve similar progress around the world?
Though we have made tremendous strides in advancing religious pluralism at home, this has yet to translate to any support from foreign governments and peoples of the world. But this change cannot happen through the traditional channels of politicians and statesmen, particularly at a time when the leaders of the political world are looked upon with disdain. The change-or any hope of change-lies with interactions between religious leaders.
At the very least, they share a common creed from which to begin a conversation about common hopes and aspirations-the seeds of dialogue that can help heal divides and bring the brothers of the Abrahamic tradition closer together. And as men of God, they share a responsibility to carry us all forward into a better day.
To Rabbi Sacks and other leaders of the religious world: I'll see you in Saudi Arabia.
Emily Thomey is a Trinity junior. Her column runs every other Tuesday.
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