Theocracy facts for kids
A theocracy is a special kind of government. In a theocracy, the people in charge believe they are guided by one or more gods. These gods are seen as the highest power and authority.
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What Does Theocracy Mean?
The word "theocracy" comes from ancient Greek words. It combines "theos" (θεός), which means "god," and "krateo" (κρατέω), which means "to rule." So, theocracy literally means "rule by god" or "rule by gods."
A historian named Flavius Josephus first used this word. He used it in the first century AD to describe how the Jews were governed.
How Theocracies Work
In a true theocracy, the country's leader is believed to have a direct connection with their god or gods. For example, Muhammad led the early Muslims, and people believed he received messages from Allah.
Sometimes, religious leaders play a big role in the government. But they might not claim to speak directly for a god. This is called an ecclesiocracy.
Theocracies Today
Afghanistan's Theocratic Government
Afghanistan became an Islamic theocracy when the Taliban first took control. This was from 1996 to 2001. After 2021, the Taliban returned to power. Now, Afghanistan is again an Islamic theocracy called the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Iran: A Theocratic Republic
Iran is often called a "theocratic republic." This means it mixes religious rule with some parts of a republic. Iran has religious laws and special courts to interpret them.
Iran's government has a religious leader and many religious officials. The most powerful person is the "Supreme Leader." This leader is a faqih, which means a scholar of Islamic law. The Supreme Leader has more power than the president of Iran.
The Supreme Leader chooses many important government officials. This includes military leaders and the head of the national TV and radio. They also appoint the chief justice and members of the security council.
Vatican City: A Unique Theocracy
The Vatican City is a very small country. It is a true theocracy with no separation of church and state. The head of the Catholic Church, the pope, is also the country's leader.
The pope is chosen by a special group of cardinals in a Papal Conclave. Most popes stay in their role for life. However, some have chosen to resign, like Pope Benedict XVI.
Countries with a State Religion
Many countries have a state religion. This means one religion is officially recognized by the government. For example, Israel uses some parts of rabbinical law along with its regular civil law. The state also hires rabbis.
In some of these countries, religious leaders might also have duties in the government. This is different from a full theocracy, where religious leaders are the main rulers.
Past Theocratic States
Throughout history, some countries had features of a theocracy. Here are a few examples:
- In the Empire of Japan (1868 - 1947), Shinto was the official state religion. The Emperor of Japan was seen as a living deity and worshipped.
- Bhutan used to be governed as a Buddhist theocracy.
- The Byzantine Empire was not a full theocracy. However, the Greek Orthodox Church had a very strong influence. The Church's concerns were often considered when rulers made decisions.
See also
In Spanish: Teocracia para niños
