Theocratic States

Definition

A theocratic state is a form of government where religious leaders rule in the name of God or a god. The laws are based on religious doctrine and often there's no separation between church and state.

Analogy

Consider a school where the principal is also the head teacher of religion class. They make all rules based on what they teach in that class, and everyone must follow those rules because they believe it's divine command. That's how a theocratic state operates.

Related terms

Secular State: A nation-state which is neutral in matters of religion, neither supporting nor opposing any particular religion.

Divine Right of Kings: The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, not from their subjects.

Sharia Law: Islamic legal system derived from both the Quran (Islam’s central text) and fatwas (the rulings of Islamic scholars). It covers various aspects of life including politics, economics, daily routines etc., used as basis for governance in some Islamic states.