The present paper is a study of contemporary modern thinking movement in the field of jurisprudence and tries to characterize seminary modern thinking through presenting a brief account of the history of intellectualism. The writer believes that the modern thinking based on Shiite jurisprudence had not only a major role in the most important arenas of intellectual activities, i.e. the arena of social and intellectual criticism and reform, but also was a basic and reference movement. Afterwards, the paper explains the course of sharia-centered modern thinking movement, from Vahid Behbahani to Imam Khomeini. Then ten specific features of seminary modern thinking are elaborated which are: presentation of epistemologically internal thoughts, the centrality of Fiqh, rationalism, historical consistency, politics, diligence and being revolutionary, dependence on spirituality, popular acceptance, inclination towards dialogue, explanation, and the centrality of political, cultural, social reform instead of religious reform. Finally, the paper elaborates on the necessity of strengthening some of indices and on some of challenges against seminary modern thinking.
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