Peace and Dialogue in a Plural Society: Contributions of the Hizmet Movement at a time of Global Tensions

by Thomas Michel

Overview

In a world that is too often seen as a cloash of civilizations, some believe there is another way, a path that involves engagement, dialogue, and respect. In Thomas Michel's new book, Peace and Dialogue in a Plural Society, he explores how Fethullah Gulen is one of those speaking most vocally in favor of a world community, where different faiths and nations can come together at one table to solve the multitude of problems facing today's world. Exploring the spiritual roots of Gulen and the Hizmet Movement, as well as drawing parallels between his own work as a Catholic priest, Michel shows how Hizmet has helped build a blueprint for intercultural communication in a time when too many voices are trying to stoke the fires of discord. Through education, dialogue, and a respect for basic human dignity, Michel finds a foundation in Gulen's faith and Hizmet's service upon which a healthy, diverse society can be built.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781935295594
Publisher:	Blue Dome Press
Publication date:	12/07/2014
Pages:	158
Product dimensions:	6.03(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.52(d)

About the Author

Fr. Thomas Michel was ordained a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and later joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He received his Ph.D. in Islamic theology from the University of Chicago. Professor Michel was director of the Islamic Office of the Vatican's Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue for thirteen years. He taught at various universities in different countries including the US, Turkey, Indonesia. He has extensively written and lectured on Fethullah Gulen, the Hizmet Movement, and the Risale-i Nur. He currently teaches at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in Doha, Qatar.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Part 1 On Fethullah Gülen

A Sufi-Type Spirituality for Modern Societies 3

Following in the Footsteps of Rumi 17

Peace and Dialogue in a Plural Society: Common Values and Responsibilities 23

Two Frontrunners for Peace: John Paul II and Fethullah Gülen 31

Love and Truth in Democratic Societies: Fethullah Gülen and Pope Benedict Xvi on Social Questions 41

Gülen as Educator 55

Gülen's Pedagogy and the Challenges for Modern Educators 79

The Wing of the Bird; Gülen on Sincerity 89

Part 2 On The Hizmet (Gülen) Movement

Introducing the Hizmet Movement 103

Identifying Our Partners in Dialogue 109

Fethullah Gülen and His Movement: Friends or Foes? 117

The Hizmet Community and the Jesuits: Some Points of Comparison 129

The Hizmet Movement: Its Contribution at a Time of Global Tensions 137

Bibliography 147

Works Cited 151

Index 155