Theocracy comes from a Greek word that translates to “the rule of God”. So, as a system of government, the ruling is given to religious leaders instead of independent leaders or traditional politicians. It is a state where a deity, God, Allah and other religious figures have immediate authority. This type of government is more popular in the Middle East than anywhere else in the world. In some cases, the officials are regarded as divinely guided. In the U.S., people believe that politicians are appointed by God’s will, making their government system pseudo-theocracy or theodemocracy.
A perfect example of theocracy is the Holy See, where the head of the state is the Pope who has been elected by the College of Cardinals. In the past, this assembly of Senatorial-princes of the church not only includes clerics and Ordinaries, but also men who are not holding any religious position. These days, voting is only limited to cardinals who are under 80 years old.
Another example is the Islamic Theocracy where the foundations of their political institutions are based on the Sharia. In Saudi Arabia, all aspects of law are maintained by religious courts and there is a religious police that ensures society complies by the rules and regulations set.
Several movements are pushing for the resurrection of this type of government, but there is a question of whether or not it makes a difference.
List of Pros of Theocracy
1. Making a compromise is easy.
In most government systems, having a law passed is often a long and complex process that involves several groups, from the congress to the state authorities. When everyone is following the same religion, however, arriving at a compromise would be easy, especially when the changes to be made abide by the book (i.e. the Bible or Quran). The same thing is true when it comes to making a decision in spending, budget, education, etc. This will have a great impact in improving the lives of constituents and improving a community’s poverty situation. Moreover, there won’t be liberals to deal with, since religious groups are supposed to have conservative views.
The public would also have a more obedient attitude, because a high power would demand compliance, which is hard to argue. When a religious leader gives the rule, it is also considered an edict.
2. Reforms are faster to implement.
A theocratic government is considered authoritarian, so changes that are to be imposed do not have to be discussed at length or debated by different parties. There is also less red tape. So whether the change is as simple as adding a traffic light or as complex as a social reform, it will be carried out, especially if it is based on religious beliefs.
3. Less number of crimes.
Punishments based on religious beliefs are often swift. Just check out what the Quran has to say about stealing and adultery.
“As for the man who steals and the woman who steals, cut off the hand of either of them in requital for what they have wrought, as a deterrent ordained by God.” (5:38)
In the Islamic Law, those who commit adultery must be stoned to death, but must be made to suffer first. “The stone shall not be so big so as to kill the person by one or two strikes, neither shall it be so small that it cannot be called a stone”. The current version of the Quran, however, no longer prescribed stoning as the punishment for adultery.
Also, committing mistakes is not just breaking the rules, but also committing a sin, which is a major no-no in any religion. This is why it is believed that, in a theocratic society, crimes will be lesser as it will not be tolerated.
List of Cons of Theocracy
1. Authoritarian control.
Because decrees would usually come from the top and then filtered down to the rest of the society, the public would not have a say in the matter. Individual opinion would be overruled for the greater good of everyone, which means the right to suffrage will be nullified. In a society that fought hard to gain the right to vote, giving it up would be feel such a major loss. In a theocratic government, however, political assignment will be granted only to holy men and whatever an individual thinks will not be considered or honored.
2. Lack of due process.
Since punishment is swift, and typically involves physical pain or death, due process would be non-existent. If an individual try to speak up in his defense, he might still end up being punished or killed. Speaking out against the leaders is also prohibited, and would still lead to a person’s pain or demise, simply because theocracy is an authoritarian government that doesn’t leave plenty of room for arguments.
3. No tolerance for diversity.
Diversity will not have room in theocracy. Minorities will have no rights and they’re unlikely to be considered full citizens. The same thing is true for different systems of belief of people, whether inside and outside the country. This means freedom of speech might not be tolerated as well, because speaking out and against the leaders will be considered speaking out and against God or other higher being that the population honors. Along with the lack of diversity is little room for innovation, for doing things differently, for homosexuality and other belief and behaviors that do not conform to what the government has set. Simply put, anything that is against the will of the ruling party is likely to be considered a crime.
4. Breeding ground for hypocrisy.
The tenets of most religions are based on peace and love, which means defending a country from oppression or attack will be viewed as hypocritical. So what can a theocratic government do? Any religious leader who resorts to violent reactions would be considered a hypocrite as well, as they are likely going against the teachings of their own religion.
For anyone to be somebody or to lead in this type of government, he must convert to the widely recognized religion. Otherwise, his voice would not be heard and his authority ignored by the population.
Now, would you rather be ruled by religion or through a federal or democratic government?