Islam, Reason, and Freedom

It is no secret today that Islam has authoritarian interpretations that reject the principles of human freedom. This includes imposing religion through state power, punishing people for "apostasy" or "blasphemy," or degrading women or minorities. This lecture will delve into the formative centuries of Islam to map out the roots of the problem, while also showing the sources for progress. It will explain where the Qur'an and the Muslim tradition stands on reason, freedom and natural law.

Recommended Readings: contained in handout below.