It has never supported in any way the idea of theocracy. Discovery Institute is not a religious organization. It is, and always has been, a secular public policy center. Accordingly, it has sponsored programs on a wide array of issues, including mass transit, technology policy, international trade, education, economics, and the environment.
Several states, including Massachusetts and South Carolina, had official, state-supported churches. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg. Future President James Madison stepped into the breach. This right is in its nature an inalienable right. Madison also made a point that any believer of any religion should understand: that the government sanction of a religion was, in essence, a threat to religion. As a Christian, Madison also noted that Christianity had spread in the face of persecution from worldly powers, not with their help.
The act is one of three accomplishments Jefferson included on his tombstone, along with writing the Declaration and founding the University of Virginia. He omitted his presidency of the United States. And as framed in Philadelphia that year, the U. The men who fought the Revolution may have thanked Providence and attended church regularly—or not.
But they also fought a war against a country in which the head of state was the head of the church. It was the recognition of that divisive past by the founders—notably Washington, Jefferson, Adams and Madison—that secured America as a secular republic. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens.
As for Adams and Jefferson, they would disagree vehemently over policy, but on the question of religious freedom they were united.
The belief widely held and preached by some of the most prominent ministers in America was that Catholics would, if permitted, turn America over to the pope. Anti-Catholic venom was part of the typical American school day, along with Bible readings. Much like Iran, Saudi Arabia follows the rulings and teaching of Islamic law. This theocratic country is considered a theocratic monarchy. The government is ruled by a king and prime minister. The ruling family has absolute power and there is no Constitution.
Saudi Arabia does, however, have the Basic Law of Governance that guides justice. Those who reject the religious teachings within the country are given strict punishment.
A theocracy can exist within other forms of government. While the religious rule may not form the official government, there are countries that make this combination work. For example, Iran currently combines theocratic and democratic principles. However, having a government that places a divine figure at the top goes against the democratic principle of empowering the people to create laws of their own. Therefore, the two forms of government can coexist with modification, but a true democracy could not be a theocracy.
Throughout history, and currently, there have been several theocratic governments that operate using a mix of different government types. Now that you know about theocracy, explore how totalitarian governments work through examples as well. All rights reserved. Muslim woman outside. What Is a Theocracy? Ancient Egypt One of the most well-known theocratic governments was that of Ancient Egypt.
Tibet Prior to , the Tibetan government was headed by the Dalai Lama. China There were several Chinese dynasties that practiced a theocratic government, including the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Iran Located in what is considered the Middle East, the government of Iran is a mixed theocratic government.
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