theocracy
UK: θiˈɒkrəsi | US: θiˈɑːkrəsi
n. a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god
n. a state governed by a theocracy
The word "theocracy" combines the Greek morpheme "theo-" (θεός, meaning "god") and "-cracy" (κράτος, meaning "power" or "rule"). It entered English in the early 17th century via ecclesiastical Latin ("theocratia") to describe a form of government where divine authority is vested in religious leaders. The term reflects the fusion of spiritual and political power, historically seen in ancient Egypt or Calvinist Geneva.
Ancient Egypt was often considered a theocracy, with the pharaoh seen as a divine ruler.
Some scholars argue that Iran's political system resembles a modern theocracy.
The Puritans attempted to establish a theocracy in colonial Massachusetts.
Critics warn that merging religion and state can lead to theocratic tyranny.
Theocracy contrasts sharply with secular democracies where church and state are separate.