Theocracy vs. Theonomy — What's the Difference?

Political system based on religious authority.

Ideological stance where scripture informs law.

A system where priests interpret divine will as law.

Theological principle advocating for divine law in society.

Rule by those who claim divine guidance.

Belief in biblical law guiding civil law.

Governance by religious institutions.

Non-governance concept focusing on law's morality.

Government ruled directly by religious leaders.

Framework for integrating scripture into civil legislation.

Theocracy is a form of government in which a deity of some type is recognized as the supreme ruling authority, giving divine guidance to human intermediaries that manage the day-to-day affairs of the government.The Imperial cult of ancient Rome identified Roman emperors and some members of their families with the divinely sanctioned authority (auctoritas) of the Roman State. The official offer of cultus to a living emperor acknowledged his office and rule as divinely approved and constitutional: his Principate should therefore demonstrate pious respect for traditional Republican deities and mores.

Theonomy, from theos (god) and nomos (law), is a hypothetical Christian form of government in which society is ruled by divine law. Theonomists hold that divine law, particularly the judicial laws of the Old Testament, should be observed by modern societies.

Government ruled by or subject to religious authority.

The state of being governed by God or in accordance with divine law.

A country or state governed in this way.

Government under the control of a state religion.

Rule by a god.

Government of a state by the immediate direction or administration of God; hence, the exercise of political authority by priests as representing the Deity.

The state thus governed, as the Hebrew commonwealth before it became a kingdom.

A political unit governed by a deity (or by officials thought to be divinely guided)

The belief in government by divine guidance

In a theocracy, religious laws govern all aspects of life, from legal decisions to personal behaviors, influencing daily activities and rights.

No, theonomy itself is not a system of government but a principle that can influence laws within various types of governments.

Yes, theonomy can influence certain laws or policies within a secular government, promoting biblical principles without establishing a theocracy.

In a theocracy, religious leaders often hold supreme power, making key decisions about governance and laws based on their interpretation of religious texts.

Criticisms of theocracy often include the lack of separation between church and state, potential suppression of religious minorities, and the restriction of personal freedoms and human rights.

Typically, a theocracy stands alone as a distinct form of government where religious authority is paramount. It generally does not coexist with other forms of government that separate religion from state power.

Theocracy is a form of governance by religious leaders, while theonomy is a belief that civil laws should be based on biblical laws.

Theonomy can be contentious in modern democracies, as it promotes laws based on specific religious texts, which may conflict with secular and pluralistic values.

Theonomy is implemented through advocacy and legislative influence, where proponents push for laws and policies that align with biblical teachings, without necessarily controlling the government.

Potential benefits of theonomy include a cohesive community bound by shared moral and ethical standards derived from biblical teachings, which proponents argue can lead to a more just and moral society.