A Dialogue of Civilizations

by Jill Carroll, Akbar Ahmed

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.

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2007

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that in the wake of 9/11 many of us are confused. We see the terror caused on that day as being a Muslim phenomenon and since the majority of us don't have a clue about Islam, we assume this religion to be based in anger, war, and death. A Dialogue of Civilizations seeks to educate us about Islamic ideals by exploring the philosophy of Fethullah Gülen.

Gülen is a Sufi scholar, philosopher, and a worldwide advocate for tolerance and interfaith dialogue. Gülen's philosophies are widely taught is schools and universities in Turkey. They are quickly becoming part of a new political, social, and spiritual movement.

In order to more fully understand the words of Gülen, A Dialogue of Civilizations holds several mock dialogues with Gülen and various familiar philosophers such as Confucius, Plato, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mills, and Jean Paul Sartre. Discussion topics include inherent human value, freedom, the human ideal, education, and responsibility.

A Dialogue of Civilizations is a good introduction to Gülen's philosophies. Thus, the reader need not have any previous knowledge of Islamic ideals or Gülen to fully comprehend the dialogues. I do, however, feel that a basic understanding of the philosophies of Confucius, Plato, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mills, and Jean Paul Sartre will aid in the reader's comprehension and ability to compare ideals of the various individuals.

[Huzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Some live without thinking; some only think but cannot put their thoughts into practice . . . Those who live without thinking are the objects of the philosophy of others. Such persons always run from pattern to pattern, ceaselessly changing molds and forms, hectically struggling their whole life through, in deviations of thoughts and feelings, in personality disorders, and in metamorphoses of character and appearance, never being able to become their own selves . . . These people always resemble a pond of water which is infertile, barren, stagnant, and marred by a bad smell. Far from being able to express anything that is in the slightest way life-enhancing, it is inevitable that such people Will become like a life-threatening bundle of viruses or a nest of microbes"

[Seline Palm · Rating 1 out of 5]

I quote the author in the introduction of the Dutch translation (page 14-15):

"I am completely not an expert with reference to any of Gülen's ideas, modern Turkish history or Sufism."

This, I believe, says it all.

[Benedict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a timely and thoughtful work that explores the urgent need for genuine dialogue and understanding across cultural and religious divides. Carroll structures the book as a series of imagined conversations between the influential Turkish Sufi thinker Fethullah Gülen and five major philosophers from the global humanities tradition: Immanuel Kant, Confucius, John Stuart Mill, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Plato. This approach allows Carroll to illuminate both the unique aspects of Gülen’s Islamic perspective and the resonances it shares with other philosophical traditions.

The book is organised around five central themes: inherent human value and moral dignity, freedom, ideal humanity, education, and responsibility. Each chapter pairs Gülen with a different philosopher, fostering a “textual dialogue” that is both accessible and intellectually rigorous. Carroll’s intent is to model the kind of respectful, rational engagement that is essential in a world too often marked by misunderstanding and conflict. She emphasises that, in an interconnected and often polarised world, persuasion and mutual respect must replace confrontation and coercion.

Carroll’s scholarly background in comparative religion and philosophy equips her to draw out meaningful connections and contrasts between Gülen and his interlocutors, making complex ideas approachable for a general audience. The book ultimately serves as both an introduction to Gülen’s thought and a broader call for interfaith and intercultural dialogue as the foundation for peace and coexistence.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given this book by a Turkish friend who claimed that Fethullah Gülen had changed his life and made him a better person. It's very clear in this book that the author also greatly admires the man. However, this book doesn't quite serve as an introduction if you don't know who Fethullah Gülen is. Furthermore, although it gives a thorough explanation of humanist philosophy, it can't quite convince the reader that Gülen is equal to other humanist philosophers. It is incredibly well-written and informative regarding the humanist philosophies of Kant, Confucius, Plato, Socrates, Sartre, and John Stuart Mill (Specifically, the author's argument is how the philosophies resonate with the philosophy of Gülen) - the author is clearly an expert. But it's hard for the reader to be so convinced as the author with small samples of Gülen's lectures and writing with which to compare the most famous philosophers. I'm still left wondering who Gülen is and why he is such a controversial figure - another Turkish friend of mine was positively disdainful when his name came up, and Gülen is currently living in exile in the United States. I'm left much more enlightened on the subject of philosophy, but less so on the mystery of Gülen.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent juxtaposition of past philosophers - Confucius, Plato, Kant, Mill, and Sartre - with present-day Turkish spiritual leader, Fethullah Gulen. The cross-cultural, cross-time dialogue is brilliant. I recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Gulen's ideas on education, human value, and responsibility in helping create a better society.

[Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very disappointed. The author seemed to have some type of agenda though she admitted not knowing Gulen on a personal level. I wonder if she is seeking employment on some board overseeing schools found by Gulen (of which there are many many in the U.S. and the world). Bottom line, I definitely do not recommend.