Theocracy vs Secular State

[Nietzsche]

I certainly wouldn't. I've always understood theocracy to be a state wherein no distinction between religious and temporal authority is made. For example, the pope is always simultaneously the sovereign king of Vatican City. It's just that the word theocracy is thrown around very loosely at times. Especially by those whose idea of secularism is the utter abolishment of religion in public life; which is something I could never support.

I don't support that, either. Freedom of religion/belief, sure, but not banishing religion from public life.

Define "banished from public life". Are we talking "no utterances of faith at all" or "no religion on taxpayer dime & time"? Because I whole-heartedly support the latter. For example, I don't care if you call for a moment of silence or whatever. But I seriously begin to care when God(or Gods, including my own) are used in a manner regarding legislation. I do not want to be held to the standard of your God, just as you do not want to be held to the standard of my Gods. Or, basically, don't make me swear to Jesus and I won't make you hail Tyr.

 

[Riverwolf]

No, they do not count. A Theocracy is ran entirely by an Ecclesiastical/Clerical government, where power comes from religious mandate. For instance, the United Kingdom is not a Theocracy, despite the fact the Monarch is also the official head of the state religion. Why? Because the monarch's religious power is an addition to, not the source of, their secular authority. A Theocracy is ran solely through religious means. About the only modern example where the line seriously starts to blue is Iran. They are technically both a Democratic Republic and a Theocracy, however the religious & secular powers are split between two individuals, which means it isn't a "true theocracy".

Basically, a theocracy is where governing power is dictated by religious or spiritual reasons, rather than secular and temporal ones.

Thanks for this clarification. I actually wasn't sure about how secular countries with state churches fit into the matter.

 

[Glaurung]

Define "banished from public life".

Oh come now, on you know perfect well what I'm talking about. The groups that cry over roadside crosses, religious symbols on war memorials, citizen prayer groups before counsel meetings and such. Essentially atheist special interest groups who use the veneer of secularism to push aggressive atheism. The fact is whether you like it or not you live in a culture that has been heavily informed by Christianity, and if the mere sight of a cross on a war memorial offends you then you frankly need to get a grip.

Secularism is the neutrality of the state in religious affairs, not a governmental obligation to protect you from all manifestations of religion in public life, as certain people would like to have it.

EDIT: typo

 

[Nietzsche]

Oh come now, on you know perfect well what I'm talking about. The people groups that cry over roadside crosses, religious symbols on war memorials, citizen prayer groups before counsel meetings and such. Essentially atheist special interest groups who use the veneer of secularism to push aggressive atheism. The fact is whether you like it or not you live in a culture that has been heavily informed by Christianity, and if the mere sight of a cross on a war memorial offends you then you frankly need to get a grip.

Secularism is the neutrality of the state in religious affairs, not a governmental obligation to protect you from all manifestations of religion in public life, as certain people would like to have it.

Manifestations in public life by civilians? Do whatever you want. Make a 20-foot Mandelbrot Jesus out of crucifixes, of which they themselves are made out of even smaller crucifixes, whatever makes you happy. But elected officials while on government time? I'd rather they not. In fact, I'd hope they're too busy to bother with it. Being in government means you represent all of the people. And since in the US there are nigh 400 million of us, the best way to do such a thing is to simply not bring it up at all. It should have no relevance on proceedings and functions of governmental tasks. If you're an elected official, your faith takes a back-seat to your duty. If for whatever reason you can't do that, resign. I do not think that's too much to ask.