Embracing Rationalism, Feminism, Sufism, Critical Thought, Cosmopolitanism and Process-Relational Theology: Essay One
By Adis Duderija, New
Age Islam
5 July 2024
In A World
Characterised By Diverse Philosophical And Theological Perspectives, I Find
Myself Embracing A Unique Blend Of Rationalism, Feminism, Sufism, Critical
Thought, Cosmopolitanism And Process-Relational Theology. While These May Seem
Like Disparate Strands Of Thought, They Intertwine Harmoniously In My Worldview,
Shaping My Understanding Of The Self, Society, And Spirituality
--------
In Lieu of Introduction - What I Believe in:
Embracing Rationalism, Feminism, Sufism, Critical Thought, Cosmopolitanism and
Process-Relational Theology: Essay One
------
In a world
characterised by diverse philosophical and theological perspectives, I find
myself embracing a unique blend of rationalism, feminism, Sufism, critical
thought, cosmopolitanism and process-relational theology. While these may seem
like disparate strands of thought, they intertwine harmoniously in my
worldview, shaping my understanding of the self, society, and spirituality. In
this short piece I will share my personal journey and shed light on the ways in
which these philosophical and theological frameworks have enriched my life and
perspectives.
Rationalism: Nurturing the Power of Reason
As a rationalist, I place great emphasis on
the power of reason and critical thinking. Rationalism encourages us to
question assumptions, challenge dogmas, and seek evidence-based knowledge. It
empowers me to navigate the complexities of life with an open and sceptical
mind, always striving for intellectual honesty and coherence. Rationalism
provides a solid foundation for my philosophical and theological inquiries, enabling
me to engage with ideas and beliefs in a thoughtful and analytical manner.
Importantly, it rejects fideistic and heavily textualist approaches
to theology based on classical
theism.
Feminism: Advocating for Equality and Justice
My commitment to feminism stems from a
deep-seated belief in the inherent equality and dignity of all individuals,
regardless of gender. Feminism challenges oppressive structures, stereotypes,
and gender norms, advocating for equal opportunities and rights for all. It
inspires me to actively work towards dismantling patriarchal systems and fostering
inclusivity and justice in all spheres of life. Feminism informs my
understanding of social dynamics, highlighting the importance of
intersectionality and amplifying marginalized voices.
Sufism:
Seeking Spiritual Wisdom and Unity
Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, plays a
significant role in shaping my spiritual journey. It emphasizes the inward
search for divine knowledge and the cultivation of a personal relationship with
the Divine. Sufism’s teachings of love, compassion, and spiritual unity resonate
deeply with me. It encourages me to embrace the beauty of diversity and seek
harmony between the material and the spiritual realms. Sufism’s emphasis on
introspection, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace provides a valuable
compass for navigating life’s challenges.
Adherence to Critical Thought
As an
individual, my personal philosophy also revolves around critical thought. I
firmly believe in the power of independent thinking, questioning established
ideas, and evaluating beliefs across various domains, including religion,
politics, modernity, and philosophy. I strive to approach these areas with a
mindset of rigorous inquiry and a commitment to arriving at well-informed and
reasoned conclusions.
In the
realm of religion, critical thought is vital to me. I find great value in
engaging with religious doctrines, texts, and teachings critically. It allows
me to delve into the depths of belief systems, questioning and analysing their
meaning and relevance. I believe in intellectual freedom and autonomy when it
comes to exploring different religious perspectives, challenging dogmas, and
interpreting religious teachings in light of my own experiences and insights.
When it
comes to politics, critical thought is at the core of my approach. I am deeply
committed to critically analysing political ideologies, systems, and policies.
I believe in questioning the motives and consequences of political decisions,
scrutinizing power structures, and challenging dominant narratives and
discourses. Engaging in critical thought in politics enables me to be an
informed and responsible citizen, engaging in constructive dialogue, advocating
for social justice, and contributing to the betterment of society.
In the
context of modernity, critical thought plays a significant role in shaping my
worldview. I constantly examine the social, cultural, and technological
transformations associated with modern times. I believe in critically assessing
the impact of modernity on various aspects of life, such as individual
autonomy, social relationships, and the environment. By questioning the
assumptions and values underlying modernization processes, I strive to navigate
the complexities of modernity while recognizing and harnessing its potential
benefits and opportunities.
In the realm
of philosophy, critical thought is essential to me. I engage in a rigorous
examination of philosophical concepts, theories, and arguments. I enjoy
questioning foundational assumptions, challenging philosophical frameworks, and
engaging in logical reasoning and analysis. Critical thought in philosophy
cultivates intellectual humility, curiosity, and an appreciation for the
complexity and diversity of philosophical perspectives.
Overall,
critical thought is a central pillar of my personal philosophy. It empowers me
to exercise intellectual autonomy, embrace open-mindedness, and commit to
evidence-based reasoning. I am dedicated to continuous learning,
self-reflection, and engaging in respectful dialogue with others. By fostering
a deeper understanding of complex issues through critical thought, I strive for
personal growth, social progress, and the pursuit of truth.
Process-Relational Theology: Embracing Dynamic
and Interconnected Existence
Process-relational
theology offers a framework that complements and enriches my philosophical and
theological perspectives. It views reality as a dynamic and interdependent web
of relationships. Instead of static entities, it understands the world in terms
of evolving processes and interactions. Process-relational theology invites us
to perceive God as an immanent and evolving presence, intimately engaged with
the world. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the
co-creative nature of existence, inspiring a sense of responsibility and care
for the well-being of all.
Embracing a Cosmopolitan Identity: Fostering
Global Awareness and Interconnectedness
In addition
to the philosophical and theological frameworks of rationalism, feminism,
Sufism, and process-relational theology, I also embrace a cosmopolitan identity
that emphasises global awareness and interconnectedness. This cosmopolitan
perspective acknowledges the diversity of human experiences and recognizes the
value of cultural exchange and dialogue.
By
embracing a cosmopolitan identity, I strive to transcend narrow boundaries of
nationality, ethnicity, and religion. I recognize that our shared humanity
unites us and that we have a collective responsibility to promote
understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among different cultures and
communities. This perspective encourages me to engage with diverse perspectives
and learn from the wisdom and experiences of others.
A
cosmopolitan worldview also prompts me to confront issues of social justice and
inequality on a global scale. It compels me to address systemic injustices that
perpetuate poverty, discrimination, and marginalization in different parts of
the world. I actively seek to contribute to initiatives and movements that
promote human rights, sustainable development, and peace across borders.
Moreover, a
cosmopolitan identity fosters a sense of empathy and solidarity with
individuals and communities facing adversity. It motivates me to advocate for
refugees and migrants, recognizing their right to safety, dignity, and equal
opportunities. I strive to challenge xenophobia and promote an inclusive
society that values cultural diversity and recognizes the contributions of all
individuals, regardless of their background.
In
cultivating a cosmopolitan identity, I aim to bridge divides, break down
stereotypes, and promote mutual respect and understanding. I recognize that our
interconnectedness as a global community necessitates cooperation and
collaboration to address the pressing challenges of our time, such as climate
change, global health crises, and economic inequality.
Embracing a
cosmopolitan identity complements the philosophical and theological frameworks
I adhere to, as it reinforces the principles of justice, equality, and
compassion that underlie these perspectives. It guides my actions and
interactions, encouraging me to embrace the richness of our diverse world while
working towards a more inclusive, just, and peaceful global society.
While each
of these frameworks brings its own unique insights and perspectives, I find
that they synergize harmoniously in my worldview. Rationalism provides the
tools to critically engage with ideas and beliefs, ensuring intellectual
coherence. Feminism challenges me to dismantle oppressive structures and work
towards a more just and inclusive society. Sufism offers spiritual guidance,
fostering a deep sense of connection and unity with the Divine and all
creation. Process-relational theology complements these perspectives by
providing a framework that emphasizes the interconnectedness and dynamic nature
of existence. Cosmopolitan identity helps me transcend my narrower identities
associated with nationality, religion and ethnicity.
Embracing
this multifaceted worldview has practical implications in my daily life. It
informs the choices I make, the causes I support, and the relationships I
cultivate. It encourages me to engage in meaningful dialogue and bridge gaps
between diverse perspectives. It inspires me to seek justice and equality,
championing the rights of the marginalized. It guides me towards nurturing
empathy, compassion, and love in my interactions with others. This integrated
worldview provides a sense of purpose and direction, enabling me to navigate
the complexities of life with intentionality and authenticity.
My journey
as a cosmopolitan, rationalist, critical philosophical pro-feminist progressive
Sufi and process-relational theologian has been a profound and enriching
experience. This unique blend of perspectives has shaped my understanding of
the self, society, and spirituality. Through rationalism, feminism, Sufism, and
process-relational theology, I have found intellectual coherence, a commitment
to justice and equality, spiritual solace, and a deep appreciation for the
interconnectedness of existence. It is through the integration and synthesis of
these diverse frameworks that I continue to explore and navigate life’s
profound questions, seeking to contribute to a more inclusive, compassionate,
and harmonious world. I hope this worldview will become evident in the texts
below.
-----
This is the
first essay in a collection of essays
on critical-progressive Islam that
are available here.
----
A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior
Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and
Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue,
Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books
are (co-edited)- Shame, Modesty, and
Honora in Islam and Interfaith Engagement Beyond the Divide (Springer)