The Gulen Movement : Civic Service Without Borders

"This book is a refreshing and insightful sociological analysis of the limitations of existing social movement theories to explain non-contentious and faith-inspired civil initiatives such as the Guilen Movement. In a bold academic move, Cetin offers an alternative syncretic approach as a more fruitful way to understand the character and outcomes of such religiously based collective action. It is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of faith-based movements, in general, and in the Guilen Movement specifically." Helen Rose Ebaugh, PhD Professor of Sociology, University of Houston Author of The Guilen Movement: A Sociological Analysis of a Civic Movement Rooted in Moderate Isiam

"In this truly historic book, Dr. Muhammed Cetin presents a brilliant, well-documented and scholarly account of an expression of contemporary Islam together with its many-faceted worldwide service projects to and for all peoples of all faiths. It is a "must-read" for those who want to understand the redemptive power and place of Islam in the 21st century!" Coval B. MacDonald, PhD Professor of Psychology and Religion (Ret.)

This book seeks to develop an appropriate discourse for studying the Gulen Movement and phenomena like it. The established discourse concerns itself with social movements as "protest," as "challenge" to the System, as contentious actors looking to alter or even overturn existing structures and/or policies in some field, usually political or economic. Approaching the matter from social movement theory and taking an insider's perspective, the author argues that the Gulen Movement is, as it has always been, non-contentious; it is not a marginalized actor working on the System from the outside. On the contrary, it has always worked within the System - within the boundaries of the laws and public norms that obtain in the different local and national settings where it

"I have seen the extraordinary response many Americans have given Gulen, which has led to a greater understanding of Islam as a whole, so vital in our post-9/11 world. In this world of religious and ethnic turmoil, the millions participating in the Gulen movement continue to provide us with both spiritual and practical guidance on how to build peace and tolerance. The spirit of love and compassion that Gulen preaches is more necessary now than ever, and one could ask for no better guide to the worldwide phenomenon of the Gulen movement than this book. It is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand contemporary Islam and we should be grateful to Muhammed Cetin for writing it." Professor Akbar S. Ahmed Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies American University, Washington, DC