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Is theocracy good? Is theocracy good?
Yes, theocracies have many good points Yes, theocracies have many good points
No, there many problems with theocracies No, there many problems with theocracies
Theocracies can be implemented in different ways Theocracies can be implemented in different ways
Theocracies create a sense of unity within society Theocracies create a sense of unity within society
A theocratic government structure is efficient A theocratic government structure is efficient
A theocracy encourages stability A theocracy encourages stability
Compromise is never needed in the context of a theocracy Compromise is never needed in the context of a theocracy
Theocracy is an excuse for legitimised oppression Theocracy is an excuse for legitimised oppression
Alternative opinions are rarely welcomed in a theocracy Alternative opinions are rarely welcomed in a theocracy
Theocracies are dictatorships Theocracies are dictatorships
Theocracies are fine as long as it is my religion Theocracies are fine as long as it is my religion
Many countries are quasi-theocracies but claim not to be Many countries are quasi-theocracies but claim not to be
There are different levels of theocracy There are different levels of theocracy
The issue is with how theocracies are carried out The issue is with how theocracies are carried out
The alternatives to theocracy around the world don't work The alternatives to theocracy around the world don't work
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Is theocracy good?
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Yes, theocracies have many good points

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Theocracies create a sense of unity within society

A theocracy gives all citizens something to be united over.
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The Argument

In practice, the word means a belief in religious unity as the necessary basis of politics.[1] Famous theocracies throughout history include the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire where Emperors were often declared gods. Almost every major religion has a concept of a theocracy as part of its doctrine. Of the relatively few that exist today, Islamic theocracies often receive the most attention in western culture. These include Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Afghanistan and Iran. Iran has been described as a "theocratic republic," and its constitution has been described as a "hybrid" of "theocratic and democratic elements. However other theocracies also exist. Vatican City is ruled by the Pope (who Catholics believe is a direct descendant of Saint Peter) and Mount Athos in Greece is under the direct jurisdiction the Eastern Orthodox church.[2][3][4] The state of Israel is a theocracy and they believe they are the chosen nation of the Living God. When a government is structured as a theocracy, then the spiritual and physical needs of a society come together under the same governing umbrella. Even though there are different opinions that are accepted under this structure, everyone feels like they are on the same team.[5]

Counter arguments

Premises

[P1] A theocracy unites its citizens. [P2] Additionally, theocracies allow citizens to carry out what is often part of their religious doctrine.

Rejecting the premises

Further Reading

Ferrero M. (2009) The Economics of Theocracy. In: Ferrero M., Wintrobe R. (eds) The Political Economy of Theocracy. Palgrave Macmillan, New York Naser Ghobadzadeh & Lily Zubaidah Rahim (2016) Electoral theocracy and hybrid sovereignty in Iran, Contemporary Politics, 22:4, 450-468, DOI: 10.1080/13569775.2016.1175097

References

  1. https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-we-need-to-talk-about-theocracy
  2. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9780230620063_3
  3. https://www.staff.ncl.ac.uk/nick.megoran/pdf/theocracy.pdf
  4. https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-book-blog/2016/does-the-world-need-a-theocracy
  5. https://connectusfund.org/6-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-theocracy
This page was last edited on Monday, 30 Mar 2020 at 09:59 UTC

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