Award Winner for Volume 14
An Empirical Study of the Effectiveness of Interfaith Dialogue for Peacemaking
This study used ethnographic methods to examine the efficacy of the Interfaith Encounter Association (IEA) in promoting peace in the middle of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The IEA is an apolitical organization based in Jerusalem that strives to build bridges between the Jewish and Arab people in the Holy Land through interfaith activities. Through participant observation of thirteen encounters and semi-structured interviews with ten participants, this study explores the effects of interfaith discourse on perceptions, emotions, and reconciliation attempts in the Holy Land. This paper argues that interfaith encounters do not negate or ignore the complexities inherent in the power dynamics between the Jewish and Arab people, the tensions upon initial interaction, or linguistic barriers; rather, these challenges remind participants of the political background and the hostility among people that this organization seeks to overcome. While scholarly debates still exist on the impact of dialogues that do not explicitly address political themes, the IEA’s endeavors in peacemaking demonstrate the efficacy of religion in establishing a common ground for peaceful interactions between Jewish and Arab communities.
My interest in Comparative Philosophy and Comparative Religion comes from my fascination with both the commonalities and subtle differences between traditions. I have long believed that each religious tradition offers a glimpse of truth and by studying across traditions, one deepens the understanding of human needs, thoughts, ethics, and spirituality. Beyond its academic study, I also often wonder: How can this field be applied in real-world contexts? Can Comparative Studies contribute to global issues such as conflict resolution? These questions motivated my study in the Holy Land on the effectiveness of an interfaith peacemaking organization.
This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of interfaith dialogue in one of the world's most deeply entrenched conflicts. Empirical evaluation is necessary to understand their influence―whether they succeed in reducing prejudice, fostering relationships, and encouraging long-term commitments to peace. My research examined participants’ experiences, the strategies employed by the organization, and the broader implications of such efforts. Often times dialogue initiatives are assumed to either have positive impact, or dismissed as distractions from deeper structures of conflict. However, I believe that they are not mutually exclusive from other efforts. Rather, they reflect the desire for peace among those directly affected by conflict, and serve as one of the many ways that people actively strive toward peace.
On one hand, interfaith dialogue creates spaces where individuals can humanize one another, breaking down rigid narratives and fostering personal connections. On the other hand, these initiatives operate within complex political and social realities, and these factors always lurk behind every dialogue. By analyzing the effectiveness of interfaith initiatives, we can refine and adapt these models for use in other conflict settings. Certain elements―such as structured dialogue, shared storytelling, and engagement with religious texts―can be replicated in different cultural and political contexts to promote reconciliation.
Ultimately, my hope is that this work contributes to a broader conversation about the role of religion in conflict and peace. Both Comparative Religion and interfaith dialogue operate on the premise that religious traditions share commonalities and that comparison or dialogue has a meaning. By applying these principles to practical challenges, we can help bridge divides, foster understanding, and contribute to a more peaceful world.
—Yanqing Cao