Whether Islam is compatible with democracy is an increasingly asked question; but ultimately a misguided one. In this book; Asef Bayat proposes that democratic ideals have less to do with the essence of any religion than with how it is practiced. He offers a new approach to Islam and democracy; outlining how the social struggles of student organizations; youth and women's groups; the intelligentsia; and other social movements can make Islam democratic. Making Islam Democratic examines in detail those social movements that have used religion to unleash social and political change; either to legitimize authoritarian rule or; in contrast; to construct an inclusive faith that embraces a democratic polity. It provides a fresh analysis of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution―how it has evolved into the pervasive; post-Islamist reform movement of the early twenty-first century; and how it differed from Egypt's religious "passive revolution." Focusing on events from the Iranian Revolution to the current day; with a comparative focus on Islamism; post-Islamism; and active religious expression across the region; Bayat explores the highly contested relationship between religion; politics; and the quotidian in the Middle East. His book provides an important understanding of the great anxiety of our time―the global march of "Muslim rage"―and offers a hopeful picture of a democratic Middle East.
#688493 in Books Aquilina Mike 2015-02-24 2015-02-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.53 x 1.09 x 5.72l; 1.25 #File Name: 0804138966288 pagesSeven Revolutions How Christianity Changed the World and Can Change It Again
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating book.By Rick VertangoFascinating book. A surprising look at the way the Christian church shaped our understanding of human dignity; family; love and other concepts we take for granted today. The descriptions of life in Pre-Christian Roman society were very powerful and startling – particularly in the context of world that has mostly moved into post-Christian era and finds itself slipping back into many of the same terrible dysfunctions. Aquilina and Papandrea have crafted a well-researched book here. I had read Aquilina's "Yours Is the Church" and Papandrea's "Reading the Early Church Fathers" previously. This material is; in a way; a satisfying combination of themes in those two books (though the content here is new); and undeniably relevant to the world we live in today. One of my favorite books I've read this year.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Attitude of the World Swirling About ChristianityBy Karon K. BoothThe text educates us on the nature of the Greco-Roman world; separating the assumption that values of Western Civilization will continue once Christian influence is removed.The natural state of Western Civilization is reflected in Nazi; Germany illustrated by what happened when Christian influenced were deliberately removed.As a society we are ignorant of history; finding the study; as one American business man announced; "history is bunk;". Therefore; our ignorance leads to believing lies because we lack basic knowledge of what none-Christian societies were like; falsely believing the basic civilized nature of the West is a natural state of man.Therefore; because of clarity in writing style; concise sentence structure; correct historical information based on research of primary and secondary sources; and a reflection on current social developments; I have granted this work the highest level of stars.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A venture into the contemporary side of church history.By Matt StumpI am enjoying the connections between the early church and the church as is stands today. As a pastor; I am thinking of using this as a stepping stone to a summer preaching series this year. I know it will help our congregation understand the historical significance of early church decisions and how we might reflect on their thoughts in order to respond in contemporary thinking while remaining true to our foundation in Christianity.
