Gandhi and Bin Laden: Religion at the Extremes

by James L. Rowell

Overview

No two figures could seem further removed than Mohandas K. Gandhi and Osama bin Laden. Gandhi advocated an inclusive religious perspective, and believed that the highest ideals in religion led to the path of absolute nonviolence. In contrast, Bin Laden has concocted a militant and exclusive interpretation of Islam, and tried to justify some of the most barbarous acts of terrorism witnessed at the turn of the century. Can both men be equally 'religious' figures? As leaders of movements of political protest, do they have any points of similarity? Moreover, how can the religious philosophy of nonviolence respond to its nemesis, which takes life so easily and casually? These and other important questions are explored in this work that examines the lives and ideas of Mohandas K. Gandhi and Osama bin Laden, as well as that of Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a refreshing, nonviolent representative of Islam.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761847670
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	08/05/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	158
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

James L. Rowell is an assistant professor of religion at Flagler College. He was born in Massachusetts, educated at University of Massachusetts, University of New Hampshire, and University of Pittsburgh in anthropology, politics, and religion. Rowell affirms a broad-minded approach to the study of world religion and politics as essential for future peace and reconciliation.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Acknowledgements
Chapter 2 Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 3 Chapter 2: Gandhi - His Life
Chapter 4 Chapter 3: Gandhi - His Beliefs
Chapter 5 Chapter 4: Bio of a Jihadist
Chapter 6 Chapter 5: Bin Laden's Beliefs
Chapter 7 Chapter 6: Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Chapter 8 Conclusion
Chapter 9 Bibliography
Chapter 10 Index
Chapter 11 About the Author