Theocracy

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The term theocracy is used to describe a form of government in which a religion or faith plays a dominant role

The word theocracy originates from the Greek θεοκρατία (theokratia). The components of the word θεος (theos), “god” and κρατειν (kratein), “to rule”. The term means “rule by god”.

In the most common usage of the term theocracy, some civil rulers are identical with some leaders of the dominant religion (e.g., the Byzantine emperor as head of the Church), governmental policies are either identical with, or strongly influenced by, the principles of a religion (often the majority religion), and typically, the government claims to rule on behalf of God or a higher power, as specified by the local religion. However, unlike other forms of government, a theocracy can be unique, in that the administrative hierarchy of the government is often identical with the administrative hierarchy of the religion. This distinguishes a theocracy from forms of government which have a state religion, or from traditional monarchies, in which the head of state claims that his or her authority comes from God.

A more literal term for what is commonly meant by "theocracy" is "ecclesiocracy," which denotes the rule of a religious leader or body in the name of God, as opposed to the literal rule of God.

A similar form of government is a hierocracy, a government ruled by priests or religious ministers.

1 History of the concept
2 Current theocracies
3 Current nations with theocratic aspects
4 Historical theocracies
5 Parties and movements with theocratic aspects
6 See also
7 External links

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History of the concept

The concept of theocracy was first coined by Josephus Flavius in the 1st century. He defined theocracy as the characteristic government for Jews. Josephus' definition was widely accepted until the enlightenment era, when the term started to collect more universalistic and undeniably negative connotations, especially in Hegel's hands. After that 'theocracy' has been mostly used to label certain politically unpopular societies as somehow less 'rational' or 'developed'. The concept is used in sociology and other social sciences, but the term is often used in an overly broad manner, especially in popular rhetoric.

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Current theocracies

At present the only nation that could accurately be deemed a theocracy, with little debate, is Vatican City. Although the monastery of Mount Athos is politically self-governed according to the Greek constitution. The Knights Hospitaller is a religious order that also has a self-governing status as well.

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Current nations with theocratic aspects

Many observers would also add Iran as a theocracy, but this is disputed as officially it is classified as an Islamic Republic. The difference between "Islamic Republic" and "Theocracy" is debated with a common view being that it is a form of theocracy, but as dispute exists most Islamic Republics can not inarguably be listed as theocracies.

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Historical theocracies

In the past several nations of varying faiths were deemed theocracies. Although this appraisal was occasionally inaccurate or simplistic it does work in least in some cases. An example often given is Pharaohnic Egypt when the king was a divine or semi-divine figure who ruled largely through priests. The period when Dalai Lamas ruled Tibet, especially before certain twentieth century reforms, has also been deemed a theocracy at times. Although the nature of Tibetan Buddhism, arguably, makes the use of the term a bit complicated.

In Christianity Geneva during the period of John Calvin's greatest influence is often classed as theocratic. As are some of the prince-bishop regimes in Catholicism or Eastern Orthodox Christianity, but this classification is debatable. The Papal States were also a theocracy and ancestor of the current Vatican. Florence under the rule of Girolamo Savonarola is also at times considered a theocracy.

In Islam the period when Medina was ruled by the Prophet Muhammed is also, occasionally, classed as a theocracy. Other plausible examples of Islamic theocracy might be Mahdist Sudan and the Taliban.

At other times in history a theocratic or semi-theocratic state is set up as a form of social protest or because of utopian idealism. The largest effort toward that end might be the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom of nineteenth century China. Tenskwatawa's "Prophets Town" was also a religious city state of a kind, although was possibly more of an intentional community rather then a theocracy.

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