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Whilst core values of many societies stem from religion, the controversial form of governing known as a Theocracy combines state and religion into one. Countries under theocratic rule will likely police religious law under the rule of a religious authority. This religious authority may be elected by the people, divinely elected, be of royalty or some to power as a dictator. In theory however the leader gains his power from his creator and Supreme Being. In an absolute theocracy, the leader would have direct contact with god or a divine being.

Whilst theocracies in the modern world are often viewed in a negative light, some may argue that there are many positives to this form of government. Amongst these, the authoritarian nature of a theocratic government means that decisions and changes can be made and approved swiftly and efficiently. The motivation for change being religion and deity causes a more obedient public, and often avoids conflict of opinions as divine law remains to an extent more objective than man made laws. Whilst one may question the opinion of an elected leader, no one will question the law of god. This could also be viewed as a negative, as it can mean that voices may be supressed and whilst many believe these laws are of divine importance, they may not always be what is the most beneficial to the general good. A more obedient public however is generally agreed to be a positive factor. Another advantage of this is that in a theocracy, everybody has the same belief system, therefore there is bound to be little friction between large groups of people. In a way, it could be even argued that a theocracy unites people.

A significant positive of a theocracy is a lowered crime rate. The double significance of a crime not only as a violation of the law of the land but as a sin in God’s eyes is highly dissuasive to the general public. Combined with the strict nature of many religious law codes, these create a community in which crime is much less tempting. Non-negotiable punishment also wards off many criminals who in a non-theocratic society may commit crime in the hope of being let off.

However, these positives also thrive off of an element of conformity which many would say is unhealthy to a society. An obedient public does not mean a happy public, and a public scared of punishment does not make a morally good one. Many would question the severity of punishments involved with religious law, and the objectivity of the law in itself. To believe in a completely objective law is a fallacy as it is in human nature to twist and bend things to suit ourselves. Theocracy also runs under the impression that all members of the public agree with these teachings, which is most certainly not always the case. The distinct lack of rights for minority citizens cannot be overlooked and the underground black markets and rule breaking that occurs in such societies completely undermines this conformity that one may expect. Finally, the hypocrisy of a theocracy in its lack of letting people worship however they please whilst preaching love through religion can be seen as a huge negative and oppressive tool. Whilst there are pros and cons to theocracies, it is clear that as in any government in the world, there does not exist a perfect one.