Theocracy derives from the Greek word theokratia, which is actually a compound word from the two terms theos and kratein, defined as god, and to rule. A theocracy is thus a government in which rule is directed by the belief in a god or certain religious beliefs. It may also be the case that the head of a theocratic government is the head of a specific religion, as in the case of Vatican City. Alternately, the rulers are guided specifically by their religious beliefs and usually religious advisors, or see themselves as emissaries of their god, who are meant to rule their people.

This was the case with the early leaders of Islam. The caliphs were not only rulers of Islam, but also direct successors to Muhammad. Later, division arose as to the precise degree of relationship to Muhammad a caliph must hold, if any, leading to the legendary schism in Islam that created the Sunni and Shi’a factions.

Similarly, in the Middle Ages, many monarchies were at least partly theocratic. Decisions of rulers in Catholic countries were deeply questioned, and dismissed if the popes of the time disagreed with them. Religious leaders advised rulers on matters of state and religion. This began to change as Protestantism and other non-Catholic religions became an influence in certain countries. Today, countries that still hold to a predominantly Catholic faith may get advice from the pope, but they can’t lose power if they don’t take his advice.

There is one term related to theocracy, which is important to understand. Ecclesiocracy is rule of a country by a church or religion, as opposed to the more strict definition of theocracy as rule by God (of one’s definition). In a true theocracy, the state is seen as directed specifically by God, thus it can rarely be seen as making a mistake or having a wrong view. In an ecclesiocracy, there is a little more room to make mistakes or change policy, since churches and religions can charge their mistakes to human error or misinterpretation of a god’s word. Conversely when God or his emissary occupies the place of ruler, any deviation from the word of God, or the interpretation set forth by his emissary would be sacrilegious and a sign of religious weakness.

There are several countries currently labeled theocratic, which are more closely ecclesiocratic. Iran, for instance, though it calls itself a religious democracy, is an ecclesiocracy. Elected officials answer to the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council, always run by religious authorities. The religious authorities are definitely in charge, though elected officials participate in running the day-to-day practical aspects of Iran’s world. Saudi Arabia is closer to a true theocracy, but still something of an ecclesiocracy also, running their government according to Shari’a, the laws set forth for daily living in Islam. Further, Saudi uses the Qu’ran as its constitution.