Theocracy as a form of government?

Question

I have read the comments of many Christians who find it very distasteful that many Middle Eastern countries are theocratic. In other words, their laws are greatly based on their strong religious beliefs. These same Christians claim they want to see Democracy replace the current governments in the Middle East.

Why, then, is there a clear agenda in this country to forgo some of the basic concepts of the Constitiution and replace them with Christian dogma?

A lot of good pro Christian points here, but I still believe that the pursuit of happiness is intrinsic to our way of life. this right must also be given to gays and Muslims in this country. Much Christian rhetoric that I have read denounces that concept/

Answer 1

People erroneously feel that though the dogma wasn't in the books, it was none the less respected by the government in the past. Nowadays, however, people are using the instruments left by the Founding Fathers to separate the dogma from the government and Evangelicals are getting ticked. Since they keep losing court battle after court battle, they figure the only way to win is to change the rules.

A theocracy is when religious leaders make and enforce all the laws, based on a religious entitlement. What Evangelicals are doing in the US isn't creating a Theocracy, it is perverting a Democracy to make a Totalitarian state.

Answer 2

Here's one possible answer: The writings you've read are from hypocrites. What's distasteful is that the Middle Eastern countries aren't governed by a Christian theocracy. Xians aren't against theocracy in general, just those that aren't Xian.

The problems would still remain. We'd simply be trading one type of repressive fanaticism for another. The founding fathers (of the US) were wise in creating a separation of church and state. They could see the danger inherent in a state-sanctioned religion or a theocracy. The founding fathers, contrary to popular misbelief, were not Xians. Many actually despised organized religion. Many were deists: they believed in a higher being.

Why is there an agenda? Because fanatics have one. They want to convert others. Belonging is more important than being free. Freedom is a scary proposition to most people. It means you'd actually have to start thinking for yourself. You'd have to be accountable. Why go to all that trouble when you have priests to think for you and a God to blame everything on?

I wish you Peace.

Answer 3

I doubt that there has ever been a person involved in politics, Christian , atheist, or whatever, who has not brought their religion beliefs and morals into their politics. Any person who holds a belief that certain things are moral or immoral should take a stand for those things.

Most Christians are not interested in forcing this country into an theocracy, or making everyone have to bow down to the Chrsitian God. But they do hold certain moral principals that they see as absolutes - regardless of religious belief. For instance, murder is wrong, Whether you are a Christian or not - murder is wrong. And so as a Christian we have to take a stand for those principles. Otherwise we be the hypocrites that so many people like to accuse Christians of being.

There are times that those principles will put Christians at odds with non-Christians. But there are times that others beliefs put them at odds with Christians. But under our constitution, everyone - even Christians - have the right to work for laws that support what they believe to be morally right.

Answer 4

Actually, in Iraq, we're creating a democracy that's still ruled by Shari'a (Islamic Law). That's what the Republicans seem to be pushing for here too, a Christian democracy. Unfortunately, Iraq won't last 5 years after we pull out, and if we were a Theocratic Republic we'd end up like Iran.

Answer 5

Hater.
Give us an example of a good government in the Middle East? And give us an example of a political action that shows it was based on God from this region. For instance, the Saudis that let the school girls die in a fire in 2002 because they werent dressed properly. I would say is a horrifying example of misguided theocracy.

And what is the Christian dogma that you find offensive that isnt in the Constitution?

Answer 6

Unfortunately, many Christians take the command to evangelize very differently than it was intended. We have been commanded to "go make of all disciples", but some take an almost militant view of this mission.

Most frankly put, the Christian majority has a very gesellschaft mentality, meaning that they believe their values and beliefs are universal and should be applied to everyone. While this is not necessarily a bad way to view things, they forget that everyone has free will, and has to CHOOSE to accept those values and beliefs.

Answer 7

Well, maybe because the same persons who want to replace theocracy with democracy are not necessarily the same persons who want to replace the constitution with christian dogma.

Answer 8

Hmmm...can you name one? There is no attempt to ignore some aspects of the constitution. Actually, it's more likely in the reverse as the attempt to read into the constitution "separation of church and state" which is not in the constitution. It states that you have freedom of religion, but does not say that a majority government cannot recognize a certain religion as long as you are still able to practice yours.

Answer 9

Totally agree. Christians keep trying to dictate to non Christians - a very unchristian attitude.

Religion should be totally barred from Government. They can believe what they want, worship what they want but government is there to represent the people not a religion.

Answer 10

because they're hypocrites, and because they think if it's christianity it's ok. They're no different then the religious zealots who run the Middle East.