Rumi Forum Hosts Religious Extremism Debate

The Rumi Forum and First Presbyterian Church hosted a talk on religious extremism
The Rumi Forum and First Presbyterian Church hosted a talk on religious extremism


Date posted: April 22, 2016

As President Barack Obama pledges to step up the fight against the Islamic State group, people in Charlottesville hope to help however they can.

On Thursday the Rumi Forum gathered to take a look at what leads to religious extremism.

The Rumi Forum and First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville hosted a debate about the root causes of religious extremism.

Speakers say there’s no easy way to pinpoint the root cause, but a lot of it has to do with instability and perceived threats.

One of the speakers says insecurity plays a big role in pathways to radicalizing young Muslims. When people feel there’s a threat to their identity, they’re more likely to latch onto an authoritarian regime.

“We see a failed state structure, a failed community and these social fragmentations, sectarian lines would make people accept authoritarian hard line fundamentalist interpretations,” said Mustafa Gurbuz, a Rumi Forum speaker and sociologist.

Gurbuz says Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, but that’s not where we’re seeing this extremism.

He says that’s because there’s much more economic and theological insecurity in the Middle East.

While there’s no easy solution to this issue, the Rumi Forum says the debate is a start. Speakers said bringing together people from different fields is also helpful.

Source: NBC29 , April 21, 2016


Related News

NJ Legislature recognized Turkish-American organizations for accomplishments, contributions

HizmetNews.COM, January 21, 2013 On Dec 3rd and 20th, New Jersey General Assembly and Senate in Trenton recognized Turkish-American organizations for their tireless efforts trying to make a difference in the state of NJ. Peace Islands Institute, Turkish Cultural Center, Turkish American Business Development and Improvement and the Pioneer Academy of Science were honored by […]

‘A movement like the Hizmet Movement is very important for correcting misconceptions of Islam’

Dr. Lawrence Geraty is a Professor of Archaeology and Old Testament Studies at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. He served as the second President of La Sierra University. He completed his PhD in Syro-Palestinian Archaeology at Harvard University.

‘Building Bridges Through Education’ explores education’s role in a globalized society

Leaders of more than a dozen universities from around the world recently visited California University of Pennsylvania to discuss collaborative educational opportunities and the cultural gap that education can bridge.

The US Should Not Extradite Fethullah Gülen, To A Paranoid Turkish Government

It should be common sense to say that Gulen should not be handed over to a paranoid state, which cannot handle its own affairs. Fethullah Gulen himself has done what others also have, which is to suggest that Erdogan himself facilitated “the coup” in order for him to introduce his new phase of order over the country, becoming a dictator under NATO protection.

IFLC sends messages of peace in Germany, calls for Turkey to widen its horizon

The 13th International Festival of Language and Culture (IFLC) held in Germany offered a moving closing ceremony over the weekend that included calls on Turkey to broaden its horizon — given the continuing inner turmoil in the country — so that it can see “lights of love and tolerance” spread across the globe.

Fethullah Gulen Condemns Brussels Terrorist Attacks

Fethullah Gulen: I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attacks at the Brussels International Airport and Metro station on March 22 that resulted in the deaths of more than 30 people and the injuries of hundreds.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

US-based think tank says Gülen movement progressive in terms of pro-Kurdish reforms

Likely case against Hizmet will bolster authoritarian character of Erdoğan gov’t

France sentences attacker targeting Gulenists as Turkey releases gunman in similar case

Police chief request promotion for taking part in ‘parallel’ witch-hunt

Hate speech in politics and media

I am concerned: Erdoğan and elections

Yamanlar College student becomes world math champion

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News