Islam, democracy and religious modernism in Iran, 1953-2000
Book Description
This scholarly exploration delves into one of the most pressing questions facing the contemporary Islamic world: can religious faith and democratic governance coexist harmoniously. Forough Jahanbakhsh examines this complex relationship through the lens of Iranian intellectual thought, tracing the evolution of ideas from 1953 through 2000.
The work presents the perspectives of seven influential Iranian religious thinkers who grappled with reconciling Islamic principles and democratic ideals. Rather than offering abstract theories, these scholars engaged deeply with their own spiritual tradition while confronting the practical challenges of modern governance.
Central to this investigation is the emergence of religious intellectualism in post-revolutionary Iran, particularly through the groundbreaking work of Abdolkarim Soroush. His innovative approach to religious democratic government represents a significant departure from earlier Muslim modernist thinking, offering fresh possibilities for understanding how spiritual values can inform political structures.
The book carefully examines which elements within Islamic tradition align with democratic principles, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of this ongoing dialogue. It also illuminates the intellectual foundations underlying Iran's contemporary reform movement, revealing both the aspirations and obstacles facing those who seek to bridge religious conviction with democratic participation.
For readers interested in how spiritual traditions adapt to modern challenges, this work offers valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between faith and governance in the Islamic context.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 201 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects of Democracy
- ✓ Explore Democracy
- ✓ Explore Islam and state
- ✓ Explore Politics and government
- ✓ Explore Iran, intellectual life
- ✓ Explore Iran, politics and government
- ✓ Explore Islam
