The Conceptual Model of the Levels of Influence of Islamic Teachings on Cultural Policy-making

The strong relationship between religion and culture specially the decisive role of religious teachings in the development of culture, highlights the necessity of studying the systematic influence of these teachings on cultural policy-making. Elucidating the complex topic of cultural policy-making, this paper introduces and analyzes three levels of the influence which Islamic doctrines have on policy-making. In the first level, religious teachings help policy-making in the stage of evaluation and choosing a strategy from the available suggestions and options. In the second level, religious doctrines which represent a valuable repository of knowledge are referred to as a source for selection and policy-making. In the third level, which is the deepest level in this model, the issue is analyzed basically on the basis of religious doctrines so that policy-makers may spend their time and money on more important matters. Finally, it is suggested that the institutions in charge of cultural policy-making specially the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution compare their present strategy process with this three-level model, and, if necessary, promote the level of applying religious doctrines.