Why not a Theocracy?

[tafan]

Ah I see, possibly. I was thinking more along the lines of a state established religion in that case, I didn’t know that there was a distinction. I suppose for example, the ancient Hebrew people (through all their stages of judges and monarchy). Modern day Canon Law reflecting civil law to certain extent and that sort of thing. Would there be another term for that or would it be simply be called a Catholic state?

I believe, but am not sure, the ancient Hebrews when ruled by judges would have been an example of a theocracy. I am not for sure, because I do not know if the judges were purely secular rulers or rulers of both religion and the state.

A Catholic state would be simply a country that had Catholicism as the state established religion. There is no other name to call it that I am aware of. In no way does a Catholic state implies a theocracy.

Its an important distinction, because well meaning Catholics advocate a theocracy, and they make the Church look very bad. Especially, since the Church has never advocated such, and as a matter of fact specifically prohibits clerics from political roles. If it was in anyway, a good thing, the Church would not have a canon law forbidding it!!!

 

[Cricket2]

Technically, theocracy is rule by a god, the common use of the term is equivalent to ecclesiocracy. The supposed definition you guys are assuming ( I think) is simply a state-established religion, perhaps you mean a Catholic monarchy. I am not for sure, but I am positive you are using the term theocracy wrongly.

Give a couple if examples of these supposed theocracies that you believe we’re so common, and I will be more clear .

Regardless of the “proper term” theocracy, ecclesiocracy, Catholic Monarchy, state established religion: is not a good idea. No matter which religion is in power those of a different belief will suffer discrimination, be viewed as warranting suspicion or even the enemy. We do best with a Democracy.

 

[GEddie]

Regardless of the “proper term” theocracy, ecclesiocracy, Catholic Monarchy, state established religion: is not a good idea. No matter which religion is in power those of a different belief will suffer discrimination, be viewed as warranting suspicion or even the enemy. We do best with a Democracy.

And of course, the USA is not in fact a democracy. Never has been.

The reason is that, in its pure form, democracy is “two wolves and a sheep voting on what’s for dinner.”

ICXC NIKA

 

[tafan]

Regardless of the “proper term” theocracy, ecclesiocracy, Catholic Monarchy, state established religion: is not a good idea. No matter which religion is in power those of a different belief will suffer discrimination, be viewed as warranting suspicion or even the enemy. We do best with a Democracy.

That’s not necessarily true either. History is replete with examples of democracies going off the rails. Sometimes horribly ( eg Germany in 1933 ). There is little indication, based on history that democracies are always good. Quite frankly, the best that can be said is that it is better than many alternatives.

BTW, it is certainly possible for a democracy to have a state established religion ( the UK comes to mind). By no means does the establishment of religion imply any particular form if government!!!

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

BTW, it is certainly possible for a democracy to have a state established religion ( the UK comes to mind). By no means does the establishment of religion imply any particular form if government!!!

And yet the U.K. is the last example of a perfect society for pro-theocracy Catholics.

 

[ManOnFire]

I don’t want a theocracy, but I’d like to divide the country into zones based on similar values. Declare counties of each state to be more liberal or conservative socially and economically, then give everyone 5 years to move to the zone of their choice. Declare the amount of govt interference in people’s lives. Why force people to live among those with whom they disagree? Why this unncessary frustration? Why not concentrate in this fashion? More satisfied customers that way.

 

[GEddie]

That’s not necessarily true either. History is replete with examples of democracies going off the rails. Sometimes horribly ( eg Germany in 1933 ). There is little indication, based on history that democracies are always good. Quite frankly, the best that can be said is that it is better than many alternatives.

BTW, it is certainly possible for a democracy to have a state established religion ( the UK comes to mind). By no means does the establishment of religion imply any particular form if government!!!

Except that democracy in its electorally-representational form is relatively recent in history.

All other governmental rubrics, such as nobility and monarchy, with much longer histories, have even more spotty pasts.

ICXC NIKA