The Spirituality of Responsibility

Reviews / Votes

This book by Simon Robinson is a distinctive and important contribution to the growing academic literature relating to the Turkish origin Muslim scholar and activist, Fethullah Guelen, and to the Hizmet movement that is inspired by his teaching and practice. Following the latest (July 2016) attempted coup in Turkey and the accusations of responsibility for this that have been levelled at Fethullah Guelen by the current Turkish government and Presidency, many of the themes and contents of this book (although written before these most recent dramatic events and their aftermath) can help to enable the reader to evaluate the kind of approach taken to responsibility that is found in Fethullah Guelen's published work and in the praxis of the Hizmet movement that has inspired so many Muslims, and also engaged with people of other religions and none throughout the world. From that, in conjunction with other publicly information on the Hizmet movement and on contemporary developments in Turkey, readers will be able to arrive at their own evaluations of the value and contribution to Turkish and global society of this undoubtedly (however evaluated) significant religious and social movement phenomenon that has emerged from the crucible of Turkey's ongoing engagement with its Ottoman history; the domestic development of its Kemalist modernity, secularism and military; its Eurasian geopolitical and cultural position; and its rich Islamic heritage. * Ian S. Markham, Professor of Theology and Ethics and Dean and President, Virginia Theological Seminary, USA * Fethullah Guelen is a controversial figure. Before simply accepting the official line of the Turkish government that he is mind behind the coup, you must read this extraordinary book by Simon Robinson. Writing clearly and elegantly, Robinson expounds in a sympathetic way Gulen's line on responsibility. A Christian Professor learns from an Islamic thinker and illustrates how all of us need to listen to this voice and this approach. Interfaith conversation is entering a new mode. Quite remarkable and utterly fascinating. * Paul Weller, Emeritus Professor, University of Derby, UK, and Co-editor of The Muslim World and Politics in Transition: Creative Contributions of the Guelen Movement (Bloomsbury, 2013) *