Globalization, Religion, Alienation or Dialogue
Setting aside the details of the speeches and the barrage of criticism by writers from across the spectrum in Turkish and foreign media of the limited, exclusivist and alienating suppositions in the speeches, it is interesting to consider the role of religion and likely outcomes of dialogue as a result of globalization.
Regardless of changes, advancements in science and technology, and new ways of thinking, the feeling of attachment to a religion has always been the primary factor in forming humanity's scientific and intellectual life, developing human virtues and establishing new civilizations. Religion is still and will continue to be the most influential element and power in people's lives. The existence of two great civilizations in history, one based mainly on Islam and the other owing a good deal to Judeo-Christianity, proves this argument.
The transformation of the world into a global village by modern means of communication and transportation means that those who expect that any radical changes in a country will be determined by that country alone and remain limited to it are unaware of current realities. Nations and people are more dependent on each other, causing closeness in mutual relations. One of the consequences of this global village of mutual relations is the need to recognize that intercultural or inter-religious dialogue has become not only desirable, but necessary. In simple terms, dialogue does not simply mean talking to one another. It includes listening to each other, studying problems together, working together for the good of all. Most of all, it is seeking ways and means to live together in peace and harmony.
Most Turks' advocacy of dialogue has been inspired or influenced by Fethullah Gülen's views. This advocacy is not reactive and pragmatic, but rooted in Islam and the contemporary world. It lies in the belief and hope that the world will be a happier, more just and more compassionate place. Abrahamic faiths come from the same root, have almost the same essentials and are nourished from the same source. Although their adherents have lived in rivalry for some periods, the common points between them and their shared responsibility to build a happy world for all of the creatures of God make dialogue among them necessary. This dialogue has now expanded to include the religions or traditions of Asia, India and other areas. The results have been positive.
We must also recognize the specific nature of the challenges of diversity and plurality -- challenges that, in the 21st century, have been elevated onto a global stage. To be able to live creatively and with integrity in today's world without becoming trapped into the response of either compromise or reaction is challenging. This also requires affective and empathetic dialogue rather than isolationist and polarizing approaches. Dialoguing does not mean being influenced by others or joining them; it means accepting others as they are and knowing how to get along with them. Against the illusion that the uncomfortable plurality of the contemporary world can simply be abolished, Gülen, in his book "Toward a Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance," warns: "Different beliefs, races, customs and traditions will continue to cohabit in this village. Each individual is like a unique realm unto themselves; therefore the desire for all humanity to be similar to one another is nothing more than wishing for the impossible. For this reason, the peace of this (global) village lies in respecting all these differences, considering these differences to be part of our nature and in ensuring that people appreciate these differences. Otherwise, it is unavoidable that the world will devour itself in a web of conflicts, disputes, fights, and the bloodiest of wars, thus preparing the way for its own end."
In interpreting and tackling the problems of modernity, this approach helps to formulate solutions at the level of individual autonomy that can prepare for the development and integration of the individual into the modern, democratic and pluralist society or global habitus. The importance of this commitment to dialogue, plurality and peaceful coexistence has been ably summarized by English scholar of religion Paul Weller: "Gülen's thought offers intellectual and spiritual resources that enable us better to understand the one world in which we all live, as well as to engage with the challenges that living in this world brings. Such resources are needed for understanding the nature and dynamics of the world, and for enabling us to resist the kind of disastrous outcomes which some argue are inevitable, which many others fear, and which all of us have a responsibility and a possibility to do something about."
At odds with last week's isolationist and alienating suppositions about faith-inspired communities, political analyst Heinz Kramer, in his book "A Changing Turkey: the Challenge to Europe and the United States," sums it up well: "Turkish society … needs to be directed to and transformed by institutionalization; the selection and renewal of modernizing personnel in organizations; democratization; globalization; the disengagement of old antagonistic elites and demands; and the acknowledgement of Islam as a guide to the spiritual well being of people."
- Created on .