PDF Conquest of the Missouri; The by Joseph Mills Hanson in History

Description

All religious groups have codes to guide the lives of adherents; but the Druze; Dr. Ruth tells us; are especially interesting. She has observed the Druze's special art of adjustment in all walks of life; whether religious or secular; and for all people; young and old. Their key is an ancient custom called a-takiyya. During times of communal stress; the Druze refrain from accentuating their religious identity; thus reducing the possibilities of conflict with neighboring groups and allowing them to concentrate on internal community building. According to Druze custom; they predate the Hebrew people in the area surrounding Palestine—particularly in Syria; Lebanon; and Israel. Thus; like many "native" peoples; they do not feel bound by the customs and religions brought into the area by later settlers. This; of course; has led to a long history of strife with their neighbors. Consequently; the Druze people have had to build an inner strength of individuals and community in order to survive as an identifiable ethnic group. Through stories; personal encounters; and historical context; Dr. Ruth Westheimer describes with great warmth the roots of that strength; how the story of the Druze has played out over the millennia; how they influence today's situation in the Middle East; and what Westerners can learn from them and their way of life.