Losing my Religion A Cry for Help
Summary
Jeffrey Lang addresses the crisis of disengagement among second-generation American Muslims, noting their stark absence from mosques despite being a demographic majority. He attributes this to cultural clashes, particularly regarding the marginalization of women and an intellectual divide between Western rationalism and rigid community traditionalism. Drawing from his books and correspondence with struggling youth, Lang highlights how these contradictions drive young Muslims away from the faith, urging the community to confront these issues openly.
Topics discussed
Introduction and the demographic shift in American Muslims
The disappearance of indigenous and convert Muslims
Why the community ignores the crisis of youth retention
Mosque culture, gender segregation, and ethnic hierarchies
Intellectual doublethink and theological questions
Lack of English resources and ethnocentrism in mosques
Confusing culture with religion and the need for moderation
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