Two Frontrunners for Peace: John Paul II and Fethullah Gulen
by Thomas Michel S.J.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Next >>
Forgiveness can seem like weakness to those involved in a conflict. It is, as the Pope states, “a personal choice, a decision to go against the natural instinct to pay back evil with evil.” In doing so, it always involves an apparent short-term loss, but brings about the possibility of achieving a real long-term gain. “Violence,” the Pope notes, works exactly the opposite: “opting for an apparent short-term gain, but involving a real and permanent loss.” Thus, forgiveness may seem like weakness but, in the Pope's words, “it demands great spiritual strength and moral courage.”
It should not be surprising to discover that both Christianity and Islam lay great importance on the notions of justice and forgiveness, if these are to be the indispensable pre-conditions of peace. In the Gospel, Jesus taught his disciples: “You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy,' but I say to you ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'” In a similar vein, the Qur'an permits vengeance up to the limits of strict justice but no farther, and then always adds: “But it is better to forgive.”
Just as those whose primary focus is the struggle for justice must always remember that justice alone can go only so far toward peace, but never all the way, so also peace-builders whose focus is on forgiveness must never forget that no real reconciliation is possible if the sometimes harsh demands of justice are not being honestly addressed and conscientiously requited. I believe that there is much wisdom in the teaching of Pope John Paul II that true peace rests on the twin pillars of justice and forgiveness.
2. Fethullah Gülen: Respecting differences to avoid mutual destruction
Events of the past few years have underscored the importance of dialogue among people of faith for the effective pursuit of peace. Interreligious dialogue is an alternative to the much-discussed “clash of civilizations.” Those who do not subscribe to the theory that a civilizational clash is inevitable are proposing instead a dialogue of civilizations, an exchange of views aimed at mutual enrichment, a sharing of insights that can lead all to a deeper understanding of the nature of God and God's will for humankind on this planet.
One of the most persuasive and influential voices in the Muslim community that has called for dialogue as a step to peace is Fethullah Gülen. The movement inspired and guided by Fethullah Gülen is offering Muslims a way to live out Islamic values amidst the complex demands of modern societies and to engage in ongoing dialogue and cooperation with people of other religions.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Next >>
| 
|
|
