Is theocracy a solution for society?
915514
"Put God in the centre:\nHis pure representatives guide the leaders..\nThe leaders lead the country in a divine way..."\n\nDo you have any idea how much that sounds like the Taliban ... or the current theocracy in Iran?\n\nDid you translate this from Arabic or Persian yourself?
416942
religion and government
1133616
No to the theocracy in the US - but, in the same sense, I don't think we should push democracy on countries that will seriously be thrown into chaos as soon as it is introduced (USSR, China, Vietnam, Iraq, etc.). I think it's very arrogant of us Americans to think our way is the best way for everyone - the only way democracy truly works is if it evolves on its own when people get tired of the way things are being run.
836238
The problem today is many people interpret the first ammendment to say there is a seperation of church and state.\nHowever you cannot read that in the 1st ammendment.\nThat came from a letter by Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists basically stating that we are not a theocracy, but a secular government based on laws of men and not laws of God.\nAll that may be true, but our laws were patterned from the Bible whether people like that or not.\nAren't there laws against stealing, murder, rape and the like.
758777
I'm an atheist but I think a Christian theocracy would be less scary.
1157972
Problems of religious conflict \n Solution? The mass secularisation of the world, starting with the West. Its like hcildren with toys, if we cant play nicely together and share, then we dont get our toys. If we cant live with each others religions, then they should be taken away.\n\nProblems of Poverty\n Solution? Make trading laws fair, drop all subsidies in America and Europe. Cancel the world debt and let countries regain a foothold in a truely compepetive market. Liquidate the WTO, TRIPS and IBRD\n\nProblems of Warfare\n Solution? Fetter the arms companies, reel them in with strict laws and legislation or close them. No worming out, no loopholes, fairness or take-over.\n\nProblems of Health\n Solution? Make drugs free to all, split the biggest companies, such as Pfizer and Glaxo, into smaller, fairer units. Free research sharing, free information trade.\n\n.Enforcement of the UN laws and Geneva conventions, elimination of Oil corporations, Nationalisation of essential services and pooling of common needs. Its time to start working together or we're never going to make it out of the 21st century.
953415
it doesn't.  rulers and despots do.  it helps them control people.  look how Dumbya Bush used the christian cult to snow people here in the U.S.
864351
Absolutely.\n\nReligion and God(s) are not responsible for our development of a "moral compass." Morality is determined by society and as society changes, so do morals.\n\nThe Marquis de Sade stated it nicely, "Moral science is simply geography misconstrued." What might be acceptable in Los Angeles would be considered wrong in Bangkok and vice-versa.\n\nMany have suggested that religion is an invention in order to lay a moral framework. If you think of Santa Claus and the threat of no reward if you didn't obey your parents, you can see the similarities.\n\nAnd to your question of "what's the point of it all?" I'm not sure what you're referring to - but if it's "religion" then you could always go with what Karl Marx said: "Religion is the opiate of the masses."\n\nHe was stating that the promise of a "great reward in the hereafter" kept the worker (proletariat) in line and complacent with their station in life which then benefited the wealthy (bourgeoisie). \n\nDefinitely good stuff to think about and discuss with a group of friends :-)
721776
Get the religions to agree. All the problems would then be solved.But who is right?\nThere is no ideal president. Democracy makes no allowance for idealism.Take care my friend. take a look at http://thebaldchemist.blogspot.com for some fun insight into life.
1103422
Hell no, a true democracy would only lead to a Islamic Theocracy similar to Iran, we need a strongman to oppress the people and keep them in line.
557031
I agree with you on this one. I too fear that civilization might regress to a point of a Theocracy and tyranny. I see the Dark Ages as the worst time in humanity. Not because of the massive amount of death and suffering, though that did happen, but because of the lack of scientific progress and development of society. \n\nThat being said I saw your site and I fear that while I agree with there ideas I disagree with their approach. From what I saw it seemed to be that it was a Atheistic/agnostic organization that was fighting against religious theists. I am afraid that mentality will cause more conflict and ill will instead of addressing the problems. Rather such organizations should reach out to like minded theists that also want a secular society that way not only do you have a broader base but you can say that you represent both sides and are working for the common good of all.
1112033
There will be continued efforts to make a 1 world government, but it will really take shape after the rapture.  Everybody will want to have some to feel safer (there is safety in numbers), and people will more willingly unite in hope of doing this.
562877
The "church" as an institution I think has really used spirituality to hype the political agenda of it's rulers (witness the Inquisition). But the confirmation of rules that really help a society work (don't steal, murder, cop another person's spouse or property) I think would be something that a "God" would be all in favor of.  I think that there are God ordained humans whose life's work is to remind those of a lesser spiritual bent that "to treat others as you would be treated" is the ideal.  These people SHOULD be "the church" but like you say there are those who for milllineums have used the claim that they have a "direct line to God" to control whole populations.  I figure if there IS a God, and He created me, why wouldn't He care what happens to me and if I am living a worthwhile life or not. I'm not sure about a heaven or hell type of judgement, but once again, if there IS a God/Creator then I figure he cares if I am a hurter or a helper and when I go back to Him He will care about an accounting that I have for my actions while I passed through his Creation.
190087
No it just makes no sense. The government would not only use it for personal gain but political gain as well!!\nThe Church should be left to those who care about the saving of souls,not the people who just want power.
554553
It is said and I quote..."A lasting social government without a morality predicated upon spiritual realities can no more be maintained than the solar system without gravity."  \n\nA functional governement needs a moral basis for society to thrive... and thereby the government will thrive...
303976
Israel had the best form 3500yrs ago, it was a Theocracy. God said it, that's the end of discussion. Man being a fallen creature rebelled at that & has been in a worse state since then. Jesus will fix it when He returns.
895761
Yes, but it will be more up to individuals to enforce Constitutional standards rather than relying on government intervention.\n\nIn the past, "separation of church and state" was used to defend religious practice of a Christian group from imposition by government. Today it is used to defend secular beliefs from perceived threats to impose Christian dominance.\n\nThe real issue is not "separation of church and state" but "consent of the governed."  Regardless of religious or secular views, no groups or individuals want their "consent" to be violated by an outside group or authority.  So that is the real issue, not freedom of religion but free will in general.\n\nIf we interpret religious freedom to mean free will and right of consent, people should have the right to govern and to be governed as they believe, without infringement on personal security by threat of censorship or oppression, as long as everyone respects the same of others so there is peace and justice.\n\nSo by this interpretation, of religious free exercise as free will, this has always been the struggle of humanity, and will continue to surface again and again until this issue is finally addressed and resolved.  Freedom is no more or less important as it was in the past, but will rise to a higher level of understanding as a universal right that all people require by nature, regardless if they call it religious or political or intellectual freedom.\n\nIt is the same argument, reincarnated over and over, until we establish mutual respect across all institutions and nations.\n\nBy its very nature, "consent of the govern" cannot be imposed by government force, but can only be established by free choice.  \n\nOtherwise laws contradict themselves, as in trying to separate "church and state" when all laws are, in fact, a form of moral code that reflects individual or collective values and beliefs.  Again, the issue behind "religious freedom" is whether or not individuals consent to the standards enforced.