Description
Book SynopsisThis book attempts to explain how and why Ayatollah Khomeini was able to lead the Iranian people in their successful revolution against the Shah of Iran. Bringing together the sociological study of charisma by the sociologist Max Weber and the critical psychology of Erich Fromm, especially his analysis of the prophet and priest, Byrd develops a theory of prophetic charisma, which attempts to explain how Khomeini''s thoughts and actions made him uniquely qualified to guide Iran from under the Shah''s dictatorship. He pays close attention to the importance of authority, and how Khomeini''s authority to lead the revolution is tied with the charismatic authority that began with the prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, Byrd concentrates on the relationship between Khomeini and the political Marxist-Leninists movements and groups in Iran at the time of the revolution. The book demonstrates how his Islamization of leftist language helped infuse a radical Islamo-Marxist critique of the Shah into the
Trade ReviewAn excellent application of the critical theory of religion in the situation of the Near East. Many have often said that the Frankfurt School is hopelessly bound to the Western world, but this book demonstrates that it can shed light on the Muslim world as well, and that it continues to be relevant for today's socio-political environment. -- Rudolf J. Siebert, Western Michigan University
In the midst of the contemporary world crisis due to the inherent class antagonisms of the current neo-liberal/neo-conservative globalization of capitalist civil society, which once again contains the geo-political 'flashpoint' of increasing tensions between the 'Western' powers of the G-8 and Iran, Byrd makes an excellent contribution to this very important and extremely relevant discourse for the sake of enlightenment and peace. -- Dr. Micahl R. Ott, professor of sociology, Grand Valley State University
The Anatomy of the Islamic Revolution in Iran is a book that should be studied in political science courses, in courses on the political history of the Middle East, Iranian history, American history, and courses on the inter-relationship of the East and West. Anatomy is also helpful for studying Soviet influence in Muslim lands and the ties between the Soviets and radical Islam. Ordinary citizens of every Western country should read this book. Anyone with any type of political interaction with Iran should read and study this book as well. All Westerners involved in diplomacy with the Muslim world, and especially Iran, should also read this book. * Reviews in Religion & Theology *
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Imam Khomeini's Political Biography Chapter 2: A Theory of Prophetic Charisma Chapter 3: Khomeini's Prophetic Charisma Chapter 4: Charismatic Authority in the Shi'a Tradition: Allah, Muhammad, 'Ali, Twelve Imams, and the 'Ulama Chapter 5: Khomeini and the Political Left Chapter 6: Final Conclusions
