Potsdam Conference on Gülen Movement Concludes
A conference titled "Muslims between Tradition and Modernity: The Gülen Movement as a Bridge between Cultures" held at Potsdam University in Berlin concluded on Thursday after discussing the relationship of the movement, named after Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, known for his promotion of mutual understanding and tolerance between cultures, with modernity.
On the second day of the two-day conference organized by Potsdam University's Institute of Religion and the Forum for Intercultural Dialogue Berlin (FID BERLIN e.V.) in cooperation with the German Orient-Institute, Abraham Geiger College and the Protestant Academy Berlin, intellectuals discussed the relationship between the movement and modernity. Presenting a comprehensive paper titled "Fethullah Gülen and Modern Turkey," renowned German journalist and expert on Islam Rainer Hermann said the Gülen movement has contributed much to Turkey by combining tradition and modern values. Stating that the movement presented a new modern identity to Turkish Muslims, he noted that the teachings of Gülen, which keep religious values alive in society, do not clash with modernity and Western values.
"Instead of getting hold of the political government, the aim of the Gülen movement is to create a better society where worship and praying also exists along with the realities of life," he said. Stressing that Gülen is searching for individuals who do not look backward but renew themselves through a continuous desire to learn, he said: "The positive change in Turkey's understanding of democracy has been achieved thanks to Gülen. Gülen is modernizing Turkey."
Presenting a conference paper titled "The Concept of Ikhlas [pure love for God and sincerity in Islamic literature] in Gülen's Teachings," American Professor Thomas Michel said "gaining the approval of God" without expecting anything in return from people is a central tenet in Gülen's teachings. Noting that even reaching heaven is not a motivating factor in his teachings, he said the acquisition of worldly gains does not exist in Gülen's understanding of Islam. Professor Sylvia Powels Niami from the University of Potsdam also said in her presentation that making societies closer to religion can be achieved by the Gülen movement.
Former President of the German Federal Parliament Rita Süssmuth stressed that intercultural and inter-faith dialogue is indispensable in modern societies.
- Conference web site can be visited at http://uni-potsdam-guelen-konferenz.de
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