Gandhi and Bin Laden, Religion at the Extremes (Heftet (myke permer))

James L. Rowell is an assistant professor of religion at Flagler College. He was born in Massachusetts, educated at University of Massachusetts, University of New Hampshire, and University of Pittsburgh in anthropology, politics, and religion. Rowell affirms a broad-minded approach to the study of world religion and politics as essential for future peace and reconciliation.

No two figures could seem further removed than Mohandas K. Gandhi and Osama bin Laden. Gandhi advocated an inclusive religious perspective, and believed that the highest ideals in religion led to the path of absolute nonviolence. In contrast, Bin Laden has concocted a militant and exclusive interpretation of Islam, and tried to justify some of the most barbarous acts of terrorism witnessed at the turn of the century. Can both men be equally 'religious' figures? As leaders of movements of political protest, do they have any points of similarity? Moreover, how can the religious philosophy of nonviolence respond to its nemesis, which takes life so easily and casually? These and other important questions are explored in this work that examines the lives and ideas of Mohandas K. Gandhi and Osama bin Laden, as well as that of Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a refreshing, nonviolent representative of Islam.

Chapter 1 Acknowledgements Chapter 2 Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 3 Chapter 2: Gandhi - His Life Chapter 4 Chapter 3: Gandhi - His Beliefs Chapter 5 Chapter 4: Bio of a Jihadist Chapter 6 Chapter 5: Bin Laden's Beliefs Chapter 7 Chapter 6: Abdul Ghaffar Khan Chapter 8 Conclusion Chapter 9 Bibliography Chapter 10 Index Chapter 11 About the Author