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Theonomy (from Greek theos "God" and nomos "law") is a hypothetical Christian form of government in which society is ruled by divine law.[1] Theonomists hold that divine law, particularly the judicial laws of the Old Testament, should be observed by modern societies.[2] The chief architects of the movement are Gary North, Greg Bahnsen, and R.J. Rushdoony.[3]
The precise definition of theonomy is the presumption that the Old Covenant judicial laws given to Israel have not been abrogated, and therefore all civil governments are morally obligated to enforce them (including the specific penalties). Theonomy holds that all civil governments must refrain from coercion if Scripture has not prescribed their intervention (the "regulative principle of the state").[4][5][6]
Theonomy is distinct from the "theonomous ethics" proposed by Paul Tillich.[3]
Theonomy – A system of government characterized by being governed by divine law.