| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | A '''dictatorship''' (also called an '''[[autocracy]]''') is a political system in which a single person (the [[dictator]]) has absolute power, because no legal process exists by which the leader can be removed from office against his will. Many ancient political systems were effectively dictatorships, although the term is usually used only in the modern context, where [[democracy]] exists as an alternative. | + | A '''dictatorship''' is a [[political]] system of [[government]] in which a single person (the [[dictator]]) has absolute [[power]], because no legal process exists by which the leader can be removed from office against his will. Many ancient political systems were effectively dictatorships, although the term is usually used only in the modern context, where [[democracy]] exists as an alternative. |
| | | | |
| − | In modern usage "dictatorship" has developed an unfortunate and unnecessary negative connotation. God blesses dictators provided that they are justly God-fearing: | + | In modern usage "dictatorship" has developed an unfortunate and unnecessary negative connotation. [[God]] blesses dictators, provided that they are justly God-fearing: |
| | | | |
| | <blockquote> | | <blockquote> |
| | "''He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God''. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain." (2 Sam 23:3-4) | | "''He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God''. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain." (2 Sam 23:3-4) |
| | </blockquote> | | </blockquote> |
| − |
| |
| | <blockquote>"Select capable men from all the people -- ''men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain'' -- and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens." (Exod 18:21) </blockquote> | | <blockquote>"Select capable men from all the people -- ''men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain'' -- and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens." (Exod 18:21) </blockquote> |
| − |
| |
| | <blockquote>“When good people run things, everyone is glad.” (Proverbs 29:2)</blockquote> | | <blockquote>“When good people run things, everyone is glad.” (Proverbs 29:2)</blockquote> |
| − |
| |
| | <blockquote>“A nation will prosper when its ruler is mature, and its leaders don't party too much.” (Ecclesiastes 10:17)</blockquote> | | <blockquote>“A nation will prosper when its ruler is mature, and its leaders don't party too much.” (Ecclesiastes 10:17)</blockquote> |
| − |
| |
| | <blockquote>"Now therefore, be wise, O Kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. ''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling''." (Ps 2:10-11) | | <blockquote>"Now therefore, be wise, O Kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. ''Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling''." (Ps 2:10-11) |
| | </blockquote> | | </blockquote> |
| Line 41: |
Line 37: |
| | * [[Dictatorship and democracy]] | | * [[Dictatorship and democracy]] |
| | * [[Dictatorships and double standards]] | | * [[Dictatorships and double standards]] |
| | + | * [[Totalitarianism]] |
| | * [[Statism]] and [[statist]]s | | * [[Statism]] and [[statist]]s |
| | * [[Big government]] [[Welfare state]] leads to [[Nanny state]], leads to [[Police state]] | | * [[Big government]] [[Welfare state]] leads to [[Nanny state]], leads to [[Police state]] |