Turkish Experience for Muslim-Christian Dialogue: A Thinker: BEDIUZZAMAN SAID NURSI; An Activist: M. FETHULLAH GULEN

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, the modern Turkish mystic and theologian (circa, A.D., 1877-1960) echoed Farid's complaint regarding the uncertainty of a faith that is solely based on human philosophy. Philosophy cannot be an indubitable basis of our faith in God because it is based on the suppositions of the human mind (Cf. Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, Mektubat [Letters]. Istanbul: Sozler Publications, 1992; p. 413). The Necessity for Dialogue by Salih Yucel "WE HAVE TO FACE THE FACT THAT EITHER ALL OF US ARE GOING TO DIE TOGETHER OR WE ARE GOING TO LEARN TO LIVE TOGETHER AND IF WE ARE TO LIVE TOGETHER THEN WE MUST TALK." The word �dialogue� derives from two roots: �dia,� which means �through,� and �logos,� which means �the word,� or more specifically, �the meaning of the word.� Thus the image one gets is of a river of meaning flowing around and through those who are participating in the dialogue. Dialogue is one of the most effective means in the struggle against negative conditioning, prejudice, and fanaticism. But in order for any dialogue to be effective, certain qualities are needed: Sincerity, humility, and interest. Sincerity is needed because this is what moves the heart. Humility is needed because this is what makes one person value another. Interest is needed because it is the source of all questions. In his book, Dialogue, the Art of Thinking, William Isaacs writes the following: �Dialogue is altogether a very different way of talking. Generally, we think of dialogue as �better conversation,� but there is much more to it. Dialogue, as defined, is a conversation with a center, not sides. It is a way of taking the energy of our differences and channeling that energy toward something that has never been created before. It lifts us out of polarization and into a greater sense of the commonalty, and is thereby a means for accessing the intelligence and coordinated power of groups of people.� Why dialogue? Firstly, by engaging in dialogue with others we can reduce tensions, conflicts, and even wars. It is known that through the ages, religious, cultural, and ethnic differences have led to misunderstanding, hostility, and conflict. The root of conflict is ignorance and ignorance is the source of prejudice. To get to know each other through dialogue is essential for the establishment of world peace. Dialogue between a few people can produce great results. For example, Dr. Jim Miller started a form of dialogue with doctors in the Soviet UNIОN in the 1970s. The doctors, in turn, influenced the leaders, who in turn, helped create change and worked toward ending the Cold War. Because of his work, Miller was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Another such �unsung heroine� is peace activist Margaret Gibney, a 14 year-old from civil war-torn Northern Ireland, who helped create the Wall of Peace project in Belfast. Another is Kenyan ethnographer Sultan Sornjee, founder of the African Peace Museum in Nairobi, who encourages indigenous communities to share their traditions of peace. Miller, Gibney, Sornjee, and many other unsung heroes have faced adversity but have looked beyond cultural, social, economic, and racial issues to find a solution. Secondly, in today�s world there are over 6,000 communities and as many distinct languages. The United States has a society that is made up of more than 260 ethnic backgrounds. Such differences naturally lead to a diversity of vision, values, beliefs, practices, and expression; all of these, naturally, deserve equal respect and dignity. Through dialogue, we can promote better understanding of and creative cooperation among cultures and religions, while acknowledging and accepting their differences. Thirdly, technology has expedited globalization and made distant countries seem like neighboring towns. Progress in communication and transport technology during th