Analisis Sejarah
Vol 16 No 2 (2026)

The Intellectual Transformation of Nurcholish Madjid: From Ideological Apologetics to Ethical Universalism

Andoni, Yudhi (Unknown)
Vidhiputri, Shinney Qurrata’ayuni (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Sep 2026

Abstract

This study examines the intellectual evolution of Nurcholish Madjid (1939–2005) through a two-phase analytical framework: the early apologetic-ideological period (1968–1986) and the mature ethical-universal period (1990–2004). Set against the political constraints of Indonesia’s New Order and the Reformasi transition, the paper traces Madjid’s movement from provocative polemics against political Islam toward an inclusive, hermeneutically grounded vision of Islam as a civic and democratic value system. Drawing on primary texts, historical correspondence, and institutional archives, this article demonstrates how Madjid redefined Indonesian Islam not as a state ideology but as an open source of public ethics for a modern pluralistic society. By synthesizing his theoretical shift alongside its institutional expression in the Paramadina Foundation, this study provides a unified perspective on how dialectical tensions in his early career consolidated into a lasting paradigm of civil Islam.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JAS

Publisher

Subject

Humanities

Description

Analisis Sejarah: Mencari Jalan Sejarah is peer-reviewed and open access journal by Laboratorium Sejarah, Department of History, Universitas Andalas. The journal accepts all historical research and all topics such as education, culture, social, politics, economics, local wisdom, culinary, ...