Book of the Week - John L. Esposito - Islam Peace building - Gulen Movement

A Must read book; The exploration of the contributions is made with regards to the title in hand by the thought and practice of the global movement associated with the Turkish Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen. The importance and distinctiveness of teaching of Gulen and the practice of the movement is that it is rooted in a confident Turkish Islamic heritage while being fully engaged with modernity. It offers the possibility of a contextualised renewal of Islam for Muslims in the modern world while being fully rooted in the teachings of the Qu'ran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. It advocates the freedom of religion while making an Islamic contribution to the wider society based on a commitment to service of others... Objective and fair statements

RECOGNIZED PEACE MOVEMENT COMMENTS BY BILL CLINTON...

gulen4peace: RECOGNIZED PEACE MOVEMENT COMMENTS BY BILL CLINTON...

gulen4peace: RECOGNIZED PEACE MOVEMENT COMMENTS BY BILL CLINTON...

gulen4peace: RECOGNIZED PEACE MOVEMENT COMMENTS BY BILL CLINTON...

Gulen Movement: Promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation

Jannah Scott*

I was recently privileged to give the keynote address at the 6th Annual Intercultural Dialogue event sponsored by the Multicultural Mosaic Foundation (MMF) in Denver. The address was attended by Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, 25 Colorado state senators and representatives and more than 100 government, faith, community and business leaders.

Inspired by Turkish Muslim scholar, educator and peace activist Fethullah Gulen, MMF is one of 215 volunteer organizations affiliated with the Washington, DC-based Turkic American Alliance. MMF hosts annual events with state and local elected officials, nongovernmental organizations and others to promote dialogue and interfaith cooperation that leads to action.

One of President Obama’s key priorities for his Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships initiative is to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation. The US Department of Homeland Security and its Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships supports this priority through events such as this and other efforts at home and abroad. For example, an important result of the address was that Colorado Director of Homeland Security Larry Trujillo and members of MMF agreed to work together to establish an interfaith/intercultural team of volunteers to promote emergency preparedness and to support first responders in times of crisis incidents.

Director Trujillo said that we are all safer when we work together with the communities we serve, and our partners in the Federal government. He added that he looks forward to expanding the homeland security team in Colorado through partnerships with faith-based and neighborhood groups like the MMF.

Attorney General Suthers said, “Groups like MMF help us build bridges in our community that might not otherwise be built. I applaud the work of MMF in promoting understanding across cultures and faiths for the common good and our federal colleagues for recognizing such efforts.”

MMF Board President Ismail Akbulut said, “Mirroring MMF's own principles of fostering interfaith dialogue, cooperation and understanding, Dr. Scott provided an inspirational vision for the future of our nation and abroad. We believe the alignment of priorities between the Administration, MMF and other similar organizations establishes a social foundation that is ripe for ushering in a new era of collaboration amidst differences.”

The DHS Center is committed to turning dialogue into interfaith service.

* Jannah Scott serves as the Deputy Director at the DHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Published on The White House Blog, 10 March 2011, Thursday

Gulen Movement: Fethullah Gülen: Contributions to Global Peace and...

Hizmet Movement (Gulen Movement): Fethullah Gülen: Contributions to Global Peace and...: "Prof. Greg Barton, Monash University There are many ways of summarising Gülen’s thought and describing his social activism. He is, first an..."

Fethullah Gülen's Condolences to People of Japan

Hizmet Movement (Gulen Movement): Fethullah Gülen's Condolences to People of Japan: "M. Fethullah Gülen The tragic earthquake and the ensuing tsunami in Japan, a nation-with whom we have always maintained friendly relations,..."

gulen4peace: Tolerance Is Love: Fethullah Gulen ( Gülen ), Ghazali, and Rûmî

gulen4peace: Tolerance Is Love: Gülen, Ghazali, and Rûmî: "M. Fethullah Gülen's name gains daily prominence in the wake of ever-widening discussions and scholarly researches into the changing politic..."

Tolerance Is Love: Gülen, Ghazali, and Rûmî

M. Fethullah Gülen's name gains daily prominence in the wake of ever-widening discussions and scholarly researches into the changing political and religious climate of Turkey today. Those hoping to influence future Turkish foreign policy invoke Gülen's ideals of tolerance and dialogue (see for example Turkish Islam and the Secular State: The Gülen Movement). Because Gülen also plainly denounces political extremism, especially the violent kind that calls itself and all too often dupes media outlets into calling it "Islamic", would-be players on the emerging political scene link their name to his, marking their moderate stance without having to criticize extremists themselves...
continue reading on the link... http://en.fgulen.com/conference-papers/294-the-fethullah-gulen-movement-i/2140-tolerance-is-love-gulen-ghazali-and-rumi.html

gulen4peace: Texas Senate passes resolution commending Fethulla...

gulen4peace: Texas Senate passes resolution commending Fethulla...: "The senate of the US state of Texas on Tuesday passed a resolution commending respected Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen for his contributio..."

gulen4peace: "Book of the Week"

gulen4peace: "Book of the Week": "A Dialogue of Civilizations by Jill Carroll ReviewWriter Carroll states in the introduction that prior to a trip she made late in 2004 she ..."

Peace and Dialogue Awards 2011

http://www.niagarafoundation.org/michigan/?page_id=7Niagara Foundation serves societal peace, love, and friendship wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good by striving to bring forth the common values of humanity; values such as understanding, tolerance, respect, and compassion. VISION
In a world where even the farthest point is within an arm’s reach, it is impossible to live anywhere without experiencing diversity. In order for everyone to live peacefully, it is important for individuals to rise above differences that drive us apart or against each other. Niagara Foundation envisions a community in which people from all walks of life interact with each other and cooperate to serve their communities, thereby strengthening civil society and promoting the development of human values.

gulen4peace: Who is Fethullah Gulen? What is Gulen Movement?

gulen4peace: Who is Fethullah Gulen? What is Gulen Movement?: "Fethullah Gülen is an authoritative mainstream Turkish Muslim scholar, thinker, author, poet, opinion leader and educational activist who su..."

"Book of the Week"

A Dialogue of Civilizations by Jill Carroll

Review

Writer Carroll states in the introduction that prior to a trip she made late in 2004 she was unaware that the organizers of the Institute for Interfaith Dialog based in Houston, Texas as well as the organizers of the trip itself were members of a community of people inspired by the notions of Fethullh Gulen, a Turkish Islamic scholar. Reading further we find Carroll's intent in this book is to 'place the ideas of Fethullh Gulen into the context of the larger humanities. Chapter titles are 1: Gulen and Kant on Inherent Human Value and Moral Dignity, 2: Gulen and Mill on Freedom, 3: Gulen, Confucius, and Plato on the Human Ideal, 4: Gulen, Confucius, and Plato on Education, 5: Gulen and Sartre on Responsibility. Kant's belief was that humans have inherent value, Gulen spoke of the transcendent value of human beings. Mills' assertions that the tyranny of the majority must be met head long was presented from his viewpoint of the nineteenth century Briton. Gulen avows that 'freedom allows people to do whatever they want, provided they do not harm others and they remain wholly devoted to the truth.' A Dialogue of Civilizations: Gulen's Islamic Ideals and Humanistic Discourse presents the query 'what is the level of resonance between Islam and the West?' That the twenty-first century has become an episode of heretofore unnoticed quandary is obvious. Up until 9-1-1 few worldwide really gave much thought to anything other than their own viewpoint. Writer Carroll finds significance can be gleaned an awareness of the theoretically divergent views of Gulen, Turkish Muslim scholar and those of Immanuel Kant, Confucius, Plato, John Stuart Mill, and Jean Paul Sartre regarding critical hypothesis including intrinsic ethical pride, creature significance, learning, autonomy, and accountability. The reader may be surprised to find out these figures who are separated by centuries in time, as well as oceans or continents have a propensity toward speaking the same language. Writer Carroll's attentive writing style has produced a judicious and timely work, she is knowledgeable, presents her thesis in readable manner and holds reader interest. Not for everyone, if you are looking for a lighthearted, 'story' book for a quick afternoon read A Dialogue of Civilizations: Gulen's Islamic Ideals and Humanistic Discourse is not that book. If you would like to learn a little more about Gulen and his notions of education and dialog then A Dialogue of Civilizations: Gulen's Islamic Ideals and Humanistic Discourse will prove an eye-opening read.
Educational read, happy to recommend for those who are hoping to learn something of an interesting thesis. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Description

Fethullah Glen is a Turkish intellectual, scholar, and activist whose influence over a new Islamic intellectual, social, and spiritual revival is revealed in this insightful book. Readers will gain a fuller understanding of where Glen stands on issues of inherent human value and dignity, freedom of thought, education and taking responsibility for creating society and the world. In addition, readers will also see how different perspectives across time, geography, and worldview can still find points on which to engage in dialogue and find a deep resonance.

gulen4peace: Gulen Movement on PBS channel

gulen4peace: Gulen Movement on PBS channel: "Lucky Severson, a correspondent for PBS’ Religion & Ethics Newsweekly program, covered the Gulen Movement and Fethullah Gulen for his progra..."

Gulen Movement on PBS channel

Lucky Severson, a correspondent for PBS’ Religion & Ethics Newsweekly program, covered the Gulen Movement and Fethullah Gulen for his program’s latest episode. He interviewed people from the Movement’s institutions in the US as well as academicians who studied Mr. Gulen and the Gulen Movement such as Dr. Hellen Ebaugh and Dr. William Martin. Severson also addresses some rumors around the Gulen Movement and charter schools. Below transcript is the courtesy of PBS.

http://www.fethullah-gulen.org/news/gulen-movement-pbs.html

Texas Senate passes resolution commending Fethullah Gülen (Gulen)

The senate of the US state of Texas on Tuesday passed a resolution commending respected Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen for his contributions to the promotion of global peace and understanding.

Senate Resolution No. 85, which was approved during Tuesday's session chaired by Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, said, “The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Fethullah Gülen for his ongoing and inspirational contributions to the promotion of global peace and understanding.” The resolution said Turkish scholar, author, poet, preacher and educational activist Fethullah Gülen has inspired a worldwide social movement that promotes humanistic values and service, known as the Hizmet movement, or the Gülen movement. “Based on the principle that each human being is of value, regardless of background, faith or culture, the Gülen movement offers a multifaceted approach to seeking world peace. It also places a strong emphasis on intercultural understanding and the embracing of differences; it values compassionate acts of care and concern; and it promotes the importance of education in laying the groundwork for fostering better relationships between diverse populations,” read the approved resolution.

Who is Fethullah Gulen? What is Gulen Movement?

Fethullah Gülen is an authoritative mainstream Turkish Muslim scholar, thinker, author, poet, opinion leader and educational activist who supports interfaith and intercultural dialogue, science, democracy and spirituality and opposes violence and turning religion into a political ideology. Fethullah Gülen promotes cooperation of civilizations toward a peaceful world, as opposed to a clash:

“Be so tolerant that your bosom becomes wide like the ocean. Become inspired with faith and love of human beings. Let there be no troubled souls to whom you do not offer a hand and about whom you remain unconcerned.” (Fethullah Gülen, Criteria or Lights of the Way. London: Truestar.)

We believe Mr. Fethullah Gülen and the civil society movement inspired by his views, which is known as the Fethullah Gülen movement, are significant and deserve attention for the following reasons:

• Fethullah Gülen’s Authority and Impact: Mr. Fethullah Gülen is known and respected among Turkish Muslims as well as Muslims from around the world as an authoritative mainstream Muslim scholar of the Sunni tradition, to which 87–90% of the world’s Muslim population belongs. He is also a thinker, a poet, a prolific author, an educational activist and an opinion leader. His readership in Turkey is estimated at several million. His influence outside Turkey is growing daily as his works are translated into many languages including English, Arabic, Russian, German, Spanish, Urdu, Bosnian, Albanian, Malay and Indonesian. In addition to printed publications, his ideas are accessible to an ever increasing world population through private radio and television networks sympathetic to his views.
• Public Stance against Violence, Terror and Suicide Attacks: Fethullah Gülen has been recognized for his consistent stance against the combination of violence and religious rhetoric. More specifically,

• He was the first Muslim scholar to publicly condemn the attacks of 9/11 (in an advertisement in the Washington Post).
• He helped publish a scholarly book on the Islamic perspective on terror and suicide attacks, condemning such acts on humanitarian and religious grounds.
• He did not express these views only to Western readers but voiced them in mosque sermons with congregations of thousands of Muslims.
• He unequivocally rejects suicide attacks.
• He has given interviews to Turkish, Japanese, Kenyan and American newspapers in which he categorically condemned the use of political, ideological and religious reasons to justify acts of terror.
• He has appeared on numerous national television shows publicly condemning such acts.

• Pioneer in Interfaith Dialogue: Fethullah Gülen has been actively promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue for over a decade, starting long before the tragedy of 9/11. In Turkey, he has been credited with bringing about a positive atmosphere in relationships between the majority Muslim population and the various religious minorities such as Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Catholic, and Jewish communities. Outside Turkey, his ideas on interfaith dialogue have inspired many to establish organizations engaging in dialogue with the same objectives of mutual understanding, empathetic acceptance, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation. His efforts for dialogue and tolerance were recognized by a personal audience with the late Pope John Paul II and an invitation from the chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel, as well as meetings with the leaders of various Christian denominations.
• For Cooperation of Civilizations: Fethullah Gülen promotes the cooperation of civilizations as opposed to clash, through dialogue, mutual understanding and gathering around shared values. As a civil society opinion leader he supports Turkish efforts toward joining the European Union and says that this relationship will benefit both parties.
• Emphasis on the Spiritual Dimension of Faith: Owing in part to his early education in the spiritual discipline, Fethullah Gülen is known for his emphasis on Islamic spirituality (known in the West as Sufism), and the embracing attitude towards fellow human beings that this emphasis brings. Due to his representation of love, compassion and an open-hearted approach to all issues concerning humanity, he is known by some as a “modern-day Rumi.” He was asked by Şefik Can, a late Sufi master, a descendant of Rumi and author, to write the foreword for his book on Rumi’s life and teachings. Fethullah Gülen’s own two-volume book on Sufism is used as a textbook for university courses on the spiritual traditions of the world.
• Science and Faith in Harmony: Fethullah Gülen sees science and faith as not only compatible but complementary. He therefore encourages scientific research and technological advancement for the good of all humanity.
• Intellectual Dimension: He is well-versed in the leading thinkers of the Western tradition and can converse with them comfortably through his writings and addresses.
• Pro-Democracy: Fethullah Gülen recognizes democracy as the only viable political system of governance. He denounces turning religion into a political ideology, while encouraging all citizens to take an informed and responsible part in political life of their country. He stresses the flexibilities in the Islamic principles relating to governance and their compatibility with a true democracy.
• Solutions to Social Problems Working on the Ground: The most striking feature of Fethullah Gülen’s life is the fact that his vision and ideas have not remained rhetorical but instead have been realized globally as civic projects. By some estimates, several hundred educational organizations such as K-12 schools, universities, and language schools have been established around the world inspired by Fethullah Gülen and sponsored by local entrepreneurs, altruistic educators and dedicated parents. Notable examples of such schools include those in southeast Turkey, Central Asia, several countries in Africa, the Far East and Eastern Europe Regardless of their location, these schools are symbols of harmonious interfaith and intercultural relationships, successful unification of faith and reason, and dedication to the service of humanity. Especially in conflict-ridden regions such as the Philippines, southeast Turkey and Afghanistan, these institutions help reduce poverty and increase educational opportunities, which in turn decrease the appeal of terrorist groups with exclusivist agendas operating in these countries. In addition to contributing to social harmony, these schools produce winners in international science and math competitions.
• Other Civil Society Projects: Other civic projects inspired by Fethullah Gülen’s ideas and encouragement include relief organizations, sustainable development organizations, media organizations, professional associations, and medical institutions.

RECOGNIZED PEACE MOVEMENT COMMENTS BY BILL CLINTON

What is Gulen 4 Peace?

FETHULLAH GULEN GULEN MOVEMENT HIZMET MOVEMENT DIALOG PEACE

Tolerance and dialogue are among the most basic and broad dynamics of the Gülen movement. These two concepts, first developed on a small scale, have turned into a search for a culture of reconciliation on a world scale. Today, the idea of different groups peacefully living together is a philosophical issue that modern states are trying to formulate. The international relations of past empires were founded on conflict and war. Different civilizations were separated by thick walls, which were supported by political, ideological, and religious identities. Inevitably, this led to conflict. During the long Middle Ages, international relations were governed by a "law of engagement," which allowed for little space to express religious or ethnic differentiation. The domestic laws of states and empires were not exempt from this philosophy. Throughout the Middle Ages, humankind's struggle for civilization found expression in aggressive and passionate conflict. Today, with new concepts brought by globalization, the search for dialogue between civilizations and cultures has entered a new phase.