Book Posits Idea of Developing Our Inner Wealth Into Excellence, Harmony
Dr. B. Jill Carroll is an adjunct Associate Professor in Religious Studies at Rice University in Houston, Tex. I met her some time ago in Atlanta and listened to her speak about dialogue.
"A Dialogue of Civilizations" analyzes the ideas of a well-known and respected Muslim scholar from Turkey. Fethullah Gülen. Gülen, about 70, is a retired preacher and an author of many books, several of which were translated into English. He lives in the United States, and is an inspiration for millions of people around the world on mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Carroll compares Gülen's ideas with those of philosophers such as Kant ("Human Value and Moral Dignity"), Mill ("Freedom"), Confucius and Plato ("The Human Ideal and Education") and Sartre ("Responsibility"). The book brings intellectual and spiritual leaders from East and West together. Even so, "A Dialogue of Civilizations" is not an academic book. It is easy to read.
I would like to share some passages from the book with you. Here, in his own words, are Gülen's ideas on humans and democracy:
"Humans, the greatest mirror of the names, attributes and deeds of God, are a shining mirror, a marvelous fruit of life, a source for the whole universe, a sea that appears to be a tiny drop, a sun formed as a humble seed, a great melody in spite of their insignificant physical positions, and the source for existence all contained within a small body. Humans carry a holy secret that makes them equal to the entire universe with all their wealth of character; a wealth that can be developed to excellence.
"Democracy has developed over time. Just as it has gone through many different stages in the past, it will continue to evolve and improve in the future. Along the way, it will be shaped into a more humane and just system, one based on righteousness and reality. If human beings are considered as a whole, without disregarding the spiritual dimension of their existence and their spiritual needs, and without forgetting that human life is not limited to this mortal life and that all people have a great craving for eternity, democracy could reach the peak of perfection and bring even more happiness to humanity. Islamic principles of equality, tolerance, and justice can help it to do just this."
Reading this book was rewarding for me in many ways. Thinking about the ideas of these great philosophers in a comparative manner helped me appreciate more deeply that despite the vast differences we have in our backgrounds, cultures and religions, we have a lot in common. What makes me hopeful for the future is that this commonality refuses the inevitability of a clash between civilizations. Rather, it suggests the importance of engaging in dialogue to accomplish more peace in the world.
It's a great opportunity to be able to read about the ideas of such an important Muslim scholar in comparison with other thinkers who might be more familiar to Americans.
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