A Comparative Study of the Social Function of Religion from the Latin American Revolutionary Church and the Social Theology of the Imam Khomeini Movement

Imam Khomeini's reformative movement in the twentieth century with the support of theIranian awakening is considered the most significant religious revolution of its time. Inthe face of this spiritual revolution, formed a theological movement in the Latin Americanregion. The struggle against public oppression in Latin American society, social and economicinjustice, the exploitation and colonisation of nations by international imperialism werethe essential aim of the Latin American Revolutionary Church for its movement. But it failedto implement the goals of its action in establishing social justice and eradicating poverty andoppression in society. The present study primary question is ‘What are the commonalities anddifferences between the Latin American Revolutionary Church and the social theology ofthe Imam Khomeini movement in the social function of religion?’ The hypothesis is themost critical goal of Imam Khomeini's movement is to bring man to true happiness, andthe only strategy to achieve it is creating justice in a monotheistic society. Despitealigning with its ultimate goals and operational plans, the Latin American RevolutionaryPriests Movement has failed to produce the grounds for a human awakening in the LatinAmerican region due to its disbelief in the expansion of justice in the context ofmonotheistic society and its school subscription with Marxism and Nationalist parties.Belief in the two components of religious democracy and Vilayat-e Faqih formed a vitalstrategy called the Islamic Republic for Iranian people that the followers of theRevolutionary Church can fill their vacancy through this strategy. The present study, witha descriptive-analytical method and based on library resources, has been done.

Keywords:

Social Function of Religion , Revolutionary Church , Latin America , Imam Khomeini , Social Theology , Social Justice