First Field Study

The central idea in my mind throughout our first field study was the mixture of people, religions, cultures, backgrounds, and practices all converging here in Jerusalem. As Dr. Wright explained, the situation can be exemplified by a group of trees all growing together - their historical roots intertwined, their trunks distinct, but their branches again intertwining together. The City Quarters as well as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher bring to life a bit of this mixture of culture.

The City Quarters give a glimpse into the ongoing tensions, yet at the same time companionship, of the multiple ethic and religious groups living and worshipping among each other. At the beginning of our trip, I might have identified very closely with the Jews and the Roman Catholic Church, not to mention the Protestant groups of the city. As I returned I pondered how intricately my own heritage is also connected to the Eastern Orthodox Church and even in some ways the Arab people.

It was interesting to see and learn of the rebuilt Jewish Quarter. I am just beginning to appreciate in some manner the way that archeologists must do their work under restrictions. I am thankful for those who have retained a bit of the historical look of the city, yet I am also aware that very little I see dates back even to the time of Christ, let alone the cultures before. Though I might have known of the layers under the city, I am amazed to see in person what a bit of the excavations look like. As we walked today, my mind was racing through how the different groups of Jews must feel as they pray at the Wailing Wall or hear the Muslim prayers rising from the minarets. I wonder what the Christians feel when they take turns worshipping in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher or in daily relations with the Jews. I ponder how the Muslims view the tourists taking pictures with very little reverence of places and structures that they call holy, or what goes through the mind of the Arab that locks the Church of the Holy Sepulcher every night. In these Quarters are people – lives that I don’t yet know or understand very well.

Our visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher brought many of these thoughts to a head. I realize my own connection to the people gathering here. My understanding of Roman Catholic Church has begun to form, but I know that I lack similar sympathy for the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Yet one must grapple with questions of faith and existence. If these people are responding to the same Gospel and worshipping the same trinity, I sense I should be able to sympathize with and worship with them. Our histories are so intricately intwined; Why are our lives and practices so separate?

I return from today’s field trip with more questions than answers, but I know that the puzzle has just been thrown in front of me. I only have a sense of the colors and objects included in the picture, and now I look forward to finding pieces that fit together. I feel comfortable in the city now, which will give me many opportunities to go in and observe daily life. I am excited to see the picture of the puzzle.