When does a country become a theocracy?

[demgurl]

I was on one of my nightly political rants with poor hubby last night. I was going on and on about all the ways the religious right has taken over our country and said that it is all but a theocracy at this point. He said it really isn't. I think until every single thing we do is controlled by the religious right, he will not see it.

I do not think it is an all out theocracy but there are certain clues that give you pause about this regime and those that support it. My question, to you, is when does a country actually become a theocracy and how far along do you think we are?

[rucky]

1. When the 10 Commandments is displayed in a courthouse.

oops. that already happened. I suppose we're one Supreme Court Justice away from rule by "Supreme Justice"

[cali]

2. Not far along at all.

A country becomes a theocracy when there is no separation between church and state, when, in fact, the church is the state. The far right in this country doesn't control the media, or even Congress. Look at what happened just a few months ago in the Kitzmiller case: The judge, a bush2 appointee slapped down the defendants who were trying to introduce biblical creationism in a cloak of ID into the classroom. Yes, the fundy contingent has grabbed power and done some truly troubling things, but essentially we're still a long way from being a theocracy.

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

4. Excellent explanation

This Country is a mighty looonnngg way from a Theology, contrary to what the right wing will always strive for. Iraq, on the other hand is headed head first for it. Ask the bots, are there any Christians left in Iraq since Shock and Awe commenced? Christians had the freedom to practice their religion under Saddam, Where the Hell did they Go?

they are either dead or fled for their lives after we got there. Theology.

[blurp]

10. The limited government conservatives versus religious conservatives.

Look at what happened just a few months ago in the Kitzmiller case: The judge, a bush2 appointee slapped down the defendants who were trying to introduce biblical creationism in a cloak of ID into the classroom.

There are two types of Republicans: limited government conservatives and religious conservatives.

There are still enough limited government types around that theocracy is prevented, but they represent the old Republicans, like Barry Goldwater, or even Supreme court justice Scalia. Scalia is 70.

Once they die-off, the Republican party will then be the party of theocracy. Let's hope they're still not in power.

[Solly Mack]

3. As soon as a single law is made based on a religious belief

the road to theocracy is paved. Contrary to popular myth, there are purely secular reasons for prohibitions against stealing, murder (crime) - quite simply, crime just doesn't benefit society as a whole.

When whether or not a potential candidate goes to church, temple or mosque matters to their electability

When what religion a potential candidate is matters

When it matters if a candidate is even religious or not

If one religion is being pushed above all other religions as the "standard"

When religion replaces science


Secular government doesn't mean free of morality - it means from religious dogma, rules, laws and beliefs

In a secular government, all religions are safeguarded - in a theocratic society, there will be a push for one religion to be imposed on all people.

We're not there yet - but we're on the road. Fortunately, there are some roadblocks along the way...

[NoGOP]

9. We've always been somewhat of a theocracy....

Anyone have "Blue Laws" where they live? Yeah, it's a little inconvenient when your at the grocery store before noon on Sunday and want to buy a six pack, buy it's something I can live with. However, recent legislation in South Dakota and Mississippi, and the number of States working on getting amendments to their Constitutions prohibiting same sex marriage frankly scares the hell out of me. They can spin it all they want but they can't provide a reason for this that isn't faith based.

[Solly Mack]

11. That's kinda my point

the road has already been paved by the "little things" being allowed to get by ...so the "big things" have an easier path to follow

[KaryninMiami]

5. Visit this site and watch the video. Then you'll know for sure.

www.theocracywatch.org. I recommend pouring yourself a drink before you begin the video. It's pretty powerful (and extremely depressing). But important to watch - that's for sure.

[MichiganVote]

6. When the republicans hold office

[Cleita]

7. It's when you have an official state religion.

It seems like Missouri is trying to get Christianity as the official majority religion in that state. This is really alarming because even the Mormons in Utah haven't tried to make it official. Once they do that then you can be sure all the shots in government will be dictated from the Christian Synods or whichever Christian religion will be the head honcho.

When that happens laws will reflect the morals of that ruling body, which will often be in conflict with a an under group like women. For instance the abortion laws just passed in N. Dakota should be struck down. There is no scientific or social reason for that law. It's purely the dictate of religious fundamentalists.

In Utah the Church of Latter Day Saints rules from the background. They make sure their elected politicians are from the Church's higher status members. Usually, if you apply for a job, you need a recommendation from your Bishop. (This doesn't apply to field workers or other jobs that most people don't want to do.)

The laws reflect their religious beliefs, so even if you aren't Mormon, there are laws that affect you that wouldn't ordinarily in secular states. Okay, I'd better go now. I will have angry Utahans swooping down on me pretty soon.

[sarcasmo]

8. When they start arresting you for not being in Church on Sunday morning.

IMHO, it is a full blown Dictatorship.

[Neurotica]

12. When the religious right takes over most local offices

This issue gets lots of attention at state and federal levels, but we should really be looking at what's happening locally. The religious right had a plan that they began to implement several decades ago -- get elected to local government positions, get elected to school boards, get appointed to various local committees/boards, etc. In other words, establish a pipeline.

My husband insists that people will wake up before a true theocracy is established and vote the scary people out of office. My response is that in a lot of areas the scary people are already in charge and can make/change the rules to maintain their authority positions.

Our county is a case in point. One prominent RR government official has already stated that they have people lined up for certain boards.

The rest of us are way behind and it's going to take an enormous amount of education to help others see what's going on.