Islamist and Liberal Islamic Perspectives on an Ideal Nation-State

Jon Armajani, Ph.D.

Who are Islamists and what kind of nation-state do they envision?  Who are liberal Muslims and what kind of nation-state do they envision?  This session will examine the ways in which Islamist groups (such as the Jama'at-i Islami in Pakistan and the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt) and liberal Muslims (such as Fazlur Rahman and Mohammed Arkoun) interpret sources related to the life of Muhammad, Islam's sacred texts, and Islamic history in constructing their visions for Islam's future.  The session will also explore the relationships between those ideas and some contemporary developments in parts of the majority-Muslim world.

Jon Armajani

 

 Jon Armajani is Associate Professor in the undergraduate Department of Theology at the College of
Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts, Phi Beta Kappa, at Oberlin
College, Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary, and Ph.D. in Religious Studies with a
focus on Islamic and Near Eastern Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the
author and editor of three books, most recently, Modern Islamist Movements: History, Religion,
and Politics (2012).

 
Dates & Locations

  • Thursday, Sept. 6 - 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis
  • Friday, Sept. 14 - 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Emmaus Hall, Saint John's University 


A typical Theology Day consists of registration and refreshments, followed by a period of conversation/presentation/lecture. The conversation then continues as participants are given a chance to continue their discussions with one another. Morning presentations are followed by a complimentary lunch for all participants, and most evening sessions also include a meal.

There is no fee for Theology Day, but registration is required.  Free-will offerings and gifts to support the mission of the School of Theology·Seminary are gratefully accepted.

For more information, contact our Development Office at 320-363-3570 or [email protected].

Register now!