M. Hakan Yavuz offers an insightful and wide-ranging study of the Gulen Movement; one of the most imaginative developments in contemporary Islam. Founded in Turkey by the Muslim thinker Fethullah Gulen; the Gulen Movement aims to disseminate a ''moderate'' interpretation of Islam through faith-based education. Its activities have fundamentally altered religious and political discourse in Turkey in recent decades; and its schools and other institutions have been established throughout Central Asia and the Balkans; as well as western Europe and North America. Consequently; its goals and modus operandi have come under increasing scrutiny around the world.Yavuz introduces readers to the movement; its leader; its philosophies; and its practical applications. After recounting Gulen's personal history; he analyzes Gulen's theological outlook; the structure of the movement; its educational premise and promise; its financial structure; and its contributions (particularly to debates in the Turkish public sphere); its scientific outlook; and its role in interfaith dialogue. Towards an Islamic Enlightenment shows the many facets of the movement; arguing that it is marked by an identity paradox: despite its tremendous contribution to the introduction of a moderate; peaceful; and modern Islamic outlook-so different from the Iranian or Saudi forms of radical and political Islam-the Gulen Movement is at once liberal and communitarian; provoking both hope and fear in its works and influence.
#2325637 in Books Jiang Wu 2011-12-01 2011-12-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x 1.00 x 9.20l; 1.47 #File Name: 0199895562480 pagesEnlightenment in Dispute
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Chan in Modern TimesBy Francois LachaudA very interesting study; though marred by postmodernist lingo. One of the crucial issues--lineage--and relations with the literati are inserted within a revamped DIY Marxist frame that does more damage than good. All this being said; an important book; despite the fact that artistic works and their contribution to the renewal of visual arts under the Qing are entirely missing. The material world rules the spiritual sphere as always; and I was a bit disappointed to see that my copy did not arrive in perfect state.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Kindle format is not very usefulBy X. ZuThis review is mostly about the kindle-format; NOT about the content of this book (I bought the kindle because I deemed the content of this book highly). The references are NOT inter-textually inked; so it's quite a hassle if you want to examine any of the author's claims in detail; which greatly hindered my reading process. This book is valuable mostly because of the extensive and in-depth examination of primary materials; without a inter-textually linked reference list; it's really difficult to follow the discussion.I still opted to buy the kindle version simply because it's more portable than a heavy printed copy and it's searchable.
