Iranian "Pro-Mosaddegh Mullahs" and Latin American "Liberation Theologians": Similarities and Differences; a Social Perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Mahdi Soleimanieh
Department of Religious Studies. University of Zurich (UZH)
10.22034/jcsc.2022.554094.2573
Abstract
The emergence and extinction of social types are considered as indicatives for social changes. The emergence of the new type called “Pro-Mosaddegh Mullahs” (P.M.M) during the 40s and 50s is one such indicative. This type of Shiite Muslim Mullahs could symbolize the efforts of the post-constitutional Iranian society for making a balance between religion and mundane life. Such attempt was made to reach a balance between religiousness and development in the same period in Latin America during the 50s and 60s, leading to the emergence of a new type of Christian theologians known “Liberation Theologians” (L.T).
This paper attempts to scrutinize their role in their societies with specific focus on the relationship between religion and social questions. Results would show eight considerable shared points regarding the backgrounds of their formation and their pragmatic agenda: The time span of emergence, presenting a new/counter religious discourse in comparison with previous dominant religious discourse/s, introducing new exegesis and interpretations of the holy books (Quran and Bible), constructing the image of an “Active God” vs. the previous dominant image of “Passive God”, ecumenical approach toward the sects/religions, emphasis on the role of liberating religious “Act” , anti-colonialist approach and finally, anti-dictatorship tendencies.
The study also came up with five probable social differences between the two aforementioned types: international scope and activities of L.T, social-oriented activities of L.T, the simultaneous presence of the L.T in the Universities and secular scientific institutions and in the Church, multi-language abilities of L.T, more geographical mobility of the L.T.

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Cultural Studies & Communication
Volume 20, Issue 75
Summer 2024
Pages 55-82