Prof. Marcia Hermansen
Islamic Studies
Department of Religious Studies
Loyola University
USA
In this lecture, Marcia Hermansen speaks of the impact modernity has had on religious identity and authority. Modernity is often seen as a challenge to spirituality. It brings up questions and challenges to preconceived religious traditions. For example, how do we address gender inequalities and shifts in authoritative knowledge? Where does truth come from? How and where do we find it? Is it in science or in religious tradition? Must modernity pose a challenge, however, or can certain aspects enhance and liberate our spirituality in new ways? Hermansen discusses these topics among others to show the many ways in which modernity has impacted Islam.
