theonomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareFormal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “theonomy” mean?
A system of government or societal organization based on divine law or religious principles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system of government or societal organization based on divine law or religious principles.
The belief that society should be explicitly governed by God's laws as revealed in scripture, often contrasted with secular humanism or autonomy. In Christian theological and political discourse, it specifically refers to the application of Biblical law to civil governance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is almost exclusively within academic/theological circles in both regions. In the UK, the term is rarer and more likely encountered in historical analysis of Calvinist Geneva or Puritan movements. In the US, it has more contemporary usage within certain conservative evangelical and postmillennialist groups.
Connotations
Often carries a controversial or ideological charge. Can be used pejoratively by critics to imply the desire for a religious state. Proponents use it neutrally or positively to describe a Biblically-based social order.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora. Higher relative frequency in specialized religious and political philosophy texts.
Grammar
How to Use “theonomy” in a Sentence
advocate for [theonomy]argue against [theonomy]base [society/government] on [theonomy]transition to [a theonomy]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “theonomy” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Puritans' experiment in Massachusetts was not a full theonomy, but it contained theonomic elements.
- Debates about theonomy resurface during discussions on the role of Sharia law.
American English
- Some proponents of Christian Reconstructionism advocate for a modern theonomy based on Old Testament principles.
- The conference topic was 'Theonomy and Pluralism in a Secular Age'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in papers on political theology, history of ideas, sociology of religion. E.g., 'The paper examines the influence of theonomic thought on early modern state formation.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only appear in discussion among individuals with specific religious/political interests.
Technical
Specific term within Reformed Christian theology and political philosophy denoting a distinct model of applying Mosaic judicial law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “theonomy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “theonomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “theonomy”
- Confusing 'theonomy' with 'theocracy' (the latter emphasizes rule by religious leaders, the former by religious law).
- Using it as a synonym for general religious influence in society.
- Misspelling as 'theonomie' or 'theanomy'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are related but distinct. Theocracy emphasizes rule by religious officials or institutions (e.g., priests). Theonomy emphasizes rule by divine law, regardless of who administers it. A theonomy could theoretically be administered by judges applying a religious legal code.
Generally, no. It is a minority position within Christianity, primarily in certain Reformed traditions. Similar concepts exist in some interpretations of Islamic Sharia law. Most modern nations are based on secular or pluralistic legal foundations.
This is a subject of intense debate. Proponents argue yes, if the people voluntarily consent to be governed by divine law. Critics argue that theonomy is inherently incompatible with pluralistic democracy, as it privileges one religious legal system over others.
The primary criticism is that it infringes on individual freedoms and religious pluralism. It is seen as imposing a specific religious framework on an entire population, including those who do not share the faith, leading to potential discrimination and conflict.
A system of government or societal organization based on divine law or religious principles.
Theonomy is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Theonomy: in British English it is pronounced /θiːˈɒn.ə.mi/, and in American English it is pronounced /θiːˈɑː.nə.mi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A society under theonomy”
- “The theonomic ideal”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: THEO (God) + NOMY (law/rules) = God's law governing society.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A RELIGIOUS TEXT (to be governed by the laws contained within it).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest antonym to 'theonomy' in a political context?