Peter Cohen

Dr. Peter A. Cohen is senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Clemson University. He teaches world religions courses at Clemson University. He previously taught at Appalachian State University, Florida State University, and Florida A&M University. He has a Ph.D. in Humanities and Religion, Florida State University. He teaches adult education in area churches on Sunday mornings.

“The Hizmet Movement is, I’ve been involved with it for many years, and I have nothing but positive things to say about it. It’s a movement that clearly, from its name, “service,” seeks to help people. Offered them many different opportunities within the community, from their perspective as well as the community’s, and I’ve experienced nothing but positive things through the Movement over the past dozen or so years.”

“Islam, much like any other religious tradition, its teachings are very much, they’re core teachings, peace, of not even toleration, acceptance of other communities, and I think it represents the teachings of Islam very well. The core teachings, not what you see on the news at 11, or at 6 o’clock. Clearly it looks towards the meaningful aspects of religion, and it works with it. It is very much combined with it, but also works outside of Islam with other traditions, very comfortably as well.”

“Dealing with religious leaders, dealing with individuals, taking part in many different ceremonies from many different religious communities. As far as I’m concerned, this is probably the most important thing that they have to offer widely. Everyone has a tradition that they hold to, of one or another, and to show that they are open to discuss that, and that they welcome discussion, they welcome questions from other communities, for me is the most vibrant part of the Movement.”

HIZMET