GU-Q Professor Authors Book on Interreligious Dialogue

In times of complex religious and cultural clashes taking place in far too many corners of the globe, the world we live in today is full of turmoil and political unrest. Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) professor, Father Thomas Michel in his new book titled “Peace and Dialogue in a Plural Society: Contributions of the Hizmet Movement at a Time of Global Tensions” explores how Fethullah Gulen and his movement are one of those voices speaking most vocally in favor of a world community, where different faiths and nations can come together at one table to solve the multitude of problems facing today’s world.

Investigating the spiritual roots of Gulen and the Hizmet Movement, as well as drawing parallels between his own work as a Catholic priest, Prof. Michel shows how Hizmet has helped build a blueprint for intercultural communication in a time when too many voices are trying to stoke the fires of discord. Through education, dialogue, and a respect for basic human dignity, Prof. Michel finds a foundation in Gulen’s faith and Hizmet’s service upon which a healthy, diverse society can be built.

Fethullah Gülen and his movement have also been active in the area of peacemaking and his interreligious activities have gone beyond Muslim-Christian relations to include meetings with Jewish leaders at the national and international level.

GU-Q dean Dr. Gerd Nonneman noted: “This book, on a subject of particular relevance in today’s climate of global uncertainty regional turmoil, and regarding a movement both interesting and controversial that cuts across international borders, is the latest example of the sort of in-depth research our scholars undertake, in keeping with the University’s reputation as center of excellence for the study of global affairs.”

Published by Blue Dome Press, the book also addresses the subject matter that deals with Gülen’s pedagogy and the challenges for modern educators, introduces the Hizmet Movement and further delves into identification of partners in dialogue and contributions of the Hizmet Movement at a time of global tensions.

The book’s author, Professor Michel who has been teaching at GU-Q for a number of years, received his Ph.D. in Islamic theology from the University of Chicago. Before taking up his role in Qatar, Prof. Michel was the Director of the Islamic Office of the Vatican’s Council for Interreligious Dialogue for thirteen years. He taught at various universities in different countries including the US, Turkey, and Indonesia and has extensively written and lectured on Fethullah Gulen, the Hizmet Movement, and the Risale-i Nur throughout his career.