Theocracy is a form of government which has been applied to two separate and distinct concepts, as outlined below.
In the strictest sense of the word, theocracy consists of two distinct terms: "theo" which means "God" and "cracy" which means "form of government". Hence a true theocracy would be "Rule by God". According to 1 John 4:8, "God is love" hence as theo equals God equals love, it can also mean "Rule by Love" as directly applied from Jehovah God. This variation of terminology is divergent from that described below, which factors humans into the equation.
In the second usage of the term theocracy, in which the governmental rulers are identical with the leaders of the dominant religion. governmental policies are either identical with or strongly influenced by the principles of 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 is unique in that the administrative hierarchy of government is identical with the administrative hierarchy of a religion. This distinguishes a theocracy from forms of governments which have a state religion or from traditional monarchies in which the head of state claims that his or her authority comes from God.
Forms
There are different forms of theocracy. One is caesaro-papism, in which power is shared between a secular ruler (an emperor) and a religious leader (a pope). Theocracy can also be exercised directly by the clergy (as in Iran) or indirectly (such as via the divine right of kings). This form of government was advocated by reformer John Calvin.
Current theocratic nations today include:
Historically, many theocracies have existed on a national level, and many more have existed in communes and cloisters and cities.
History
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 often used in sociology also, but rarely or never properly defined for objective scientific usage.
It could be argued that the British monarch is technically a theocratic ruler because of her title as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. However, as the monarch retains only ceremonial authority, most people do not consider the United Kingdom, or any other nations with the British monarch serving as Head of State, as a theocracy.
Theocratic parties
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Afghanistan
- Islamic Party of Afghanistan
- National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan
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Argentina
- Christian Democratic Party (Argentina)
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Armenia
- Christian Democratic Party (Armenia)
- Armenian Nagorno-Karabagh
- Christian Democratic Party (Nagorno Karabagh)
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Bangladesh
- Islamic National Unity Front
- Islamic Unity Front
- Islam Conference Bangladesh
See also
Last updated: 02-07-2005 08:39:58
Last updated: 04-25-2005 03:06:01