Rethinking Islam Common Questions, Uncommon Answers

"Though very ably translated by Robert D. Lee, it is also a frustrating work to read because Mr. Arkoun raises important questions, announces that further research is necessary and leaves them unresolved....Still, this is a very important book because Mr. Arkoun's concept of an Islamic revival is the very antithesis of the militant movements so much in the news. Whereas their task is to mobilize for political action, his task is to revitalize Muslim faith and intellectual culture. Whereas they are hostile to the West, Mr. Arkoun calls for the integration of Islam and Western cultures...Mr. Arkoun's vision embodies profound possibilities. It is an individualistic, ethical, rational vision of Islam that may not serve the needs of uprooted peoples deprived of such elementary rights as regular work, adequate housing, information, education and political participation--those who respond to militant political Islamic movements. But it may appeal to the growing Muslim populations of modernized industrial democratic societies...As difficult, elusive and imcomplete as it is, Rethinking Islam may be of major social and cultural importance."Arkoun, Mohammed is the author of 'Rethinking Islam Common Questions, Uncommon Answers', published 1994 under ISBN 9780813322940 and ISBN 0813322944.