What type of government is ruled by religious leaders?

A system of governance where religious leaders exercise political authority and state laws are directly based on religious doctrines and texts is known by a specific term. This form of government, deeply rooted in spiritual principles, sees its ultimate authority as deriving from a divine source. The word itself originates from ancient Greek, combining "theos" meaning "god" and "kratein" meaning "to rule," literally translating to "rule by God." Therefore, in such a state, the interpretation and enforcement of religious law become the primary functions of the government.

Historically, this form of rule was common in many early civilizations. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus first coined the term in the first century AD to describe the ancient Jewish commonwealth, where divine guidance was paramount. Examples from antiquity include ancient Egypt, where kings were often considered divine or divinely appointed, and historical Tibet. The concept highlights a close intertwining of religious and political power, often with little to no separation between the two.

In contemporary times, while less common globally, such systems still exist. Notable examples of nations where religious leaders hold significant or ultimate political power and where religious law forms the basis of the legal system include Iran, Vatican City, and Afghanistan under the Taliban. These states illustrate how religious beliefs can profoundly shape a nation's legal framework, societal norms, and the selection of its governing body.