Is Theocracy Possible?

[Quintessence]

Whatever it is you are talking about isn't theocracy, but something else. Theocracy refers to human intermediaries managing governance on the behalf of the gods, not direct management of governments by the gods.

If we are going to redefine theocracy to refer to the Abrahamic god being directly in power, wouldn't that already be the case according to its followers given they view their god as the supreme being?

 

[sun rise]

Yes. Avatar Rama and Avatar Krishna were rulers of kingdoms in India.

 

[metis]

Frankly, I believe there are likely many within the "religious right' that would love us to have a theocracy-- but only if they ran it.

 

[PureX]

Theocracy in not the "rule of God". It's the rule of men who think they are acting on God's behalf. And whenever humans presume themselves to be divine 'stand-ins', horror and mayhem soon result. Because we humans can not handle that kind of power or responsibility. And whenever a society of people is foolish enough to give this kind of power and responsibility to any other humans, they inevitably fail. Usually wildly, violently, and spectacularly.

God has long ago chosen not to rule over humanity. And anyone who claims otherwise is dangerous. Especially if they are think that THEY are God's representatives in this endeavor.

Buddhist proverb: "If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him!" Because it surely is not the Buddha.

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

Whenever clerics are in control of a political system people say it's a theocracy...

But at any point in history has God (or a God) actually been in power?

How is that even possible?

And to what extent can clerics take God's place??? That seems rather presumptuous to me...

I don't think God could ever hold political office, although those who hold political office may claim to represent God...

However: I know that the Roman Empire was technically theocratic as the emperor was considered a God

And the same for the ancient Egyptians

But I'm talking about a God concept that resembles a Supreme Being, rather than a mere human afforded the status of "God" - and I'm talking about political office in the modern sense, in which there is a distinction between the office that a holder may occupy, and the holder of the office him/herself

I don't think a theocracy is possible, because God cannot hold office. He cannot make decisions. But then I suppose one could build a system around what he's said? But then surely that would be government by scripture, or government by revelation - rather than government by God? - and who gets to interpret revelation/scripture???

I'm going to say that theocracy is impossible!

No, since there is no God, then obviously theocracy is impossible.

However, there are many examples of attempts at theocracy -- such as Iran, today -- but these would be better labled as "hagiarchy," or "rule by holy people," as priests and mullahs like to call themselves.

 

[Tambourine]

Whenever clerics are in control of a political system people say it's a theocracy...

But at any point in history has God (or a God) actually been in power?

How is that even possible?

And to what extent can clerics take God's place??? That seems rather presumptuous to me...

I don't think God could ever hold political office, although those who hold political office may claim to represent God...

However: I know that the Roman Empire was technically theocratic as the emperor was considered a God

And the same for the ancient Egyptians

But I'm talking about a God concept that resembles a Supreme Being, rather than a mere human afforded the status of "God" - and I'm talking about political office in the modern sense, in which there is a distinction between the office that a holder may occupy, and the holder of the office him/herself

I don't think a theocracy is possible, because God cannot hold office. He cannot make decisions. But then I suppose one could build a system around what he's said? But then surely that would be government by scripture, or government by revelation - rather than government by God? - and who gets to interpret revelation/scripture???

I'm going to say that theocracy is impossible!

Have you watched the Matrix trilogy?

 

[Twilight Hue]

Whenever clerics are in control of a political system people say it's a theocracy...

But at any point in history has God (or a God) actually been in power?

How is that even possible?

And to what extent can clerics take God's place??? That seems rather presumptuous to me...

I don't think God could ever hold political office, although those who hold political office may claim to represent God...

However: I know that the Roman Empire was technically theocratic as the emperor was considered a God

And the same for the ancient Egyptians

But I'm talking about a God concept that resembles a Supreme Being, rather than a mere human afforded the status of "God" - and I'm talking about political office in the modern sense, in which there is a distinction between the office that a holder may occupy, and the holder of the office him/herself

I don't think a theocracy is possible, because God cannot hold office. He cannot make decisions. But then I suppose one could build a system around what he's said? But then surely that would be government by scripture, or government by revelation - rather than government by God? - and who gets to interpret revelation/scripture???

I'm going to say that theocracy is impossible!

Well that would require an actual God.

The fact that people are the only ones however should indicate that the designation is just a place holder representation that is actually ran by humans all along. I suppose it could still be called a theocracy because its a religious based rule based on an avatar.