Messianism in the West, from belief to criticism: A Survey on the principles and concepts of contemporary research on the Promised Saviour

Expecting the promised savior is the common teaching of most religions and has a pivotal role in all religions, as well as or alongside the teleology. Thus, the doctrine of the Messiah and teleology concern of theologians and thinkers and scholars in the West. In addition to the religious needs and beliefs, social and political changes that we see in the contemporary world, has given a special importance to the phenomenon of expecting the promised saviour. Thus, there are wide and varied intellectual movements that employ the idea of promised savior or deliverer to plan and seek their intentions. Understanding these trends and identification of gaps and needs is among the most important needs of today's Shiite seminaries, as producers and promoters of untainted Mahdavi teachings. This article uses a documentary method in study and library research method, to observe studies on the Promised Saviour in the West. It deals with three main trends in current approaches from the perspective of contemporary scholars that include historical perspective on the Promised Saviour theological, political, and critical studies on the Promised Saviour. Due attention to the orientation of the three current issues and conceptual horizons can be an important condition of knowledge and of Shiite Messiah or Mahdism, and can open up the global discourse and dialogue which is civilization-based with the West in this regard.