This is the
oldest theory regarding the origin of the state. It is Pore familiarly known as
the theory of Divine Right of Kings. According to this theory, the state did
not come into existence as a result of human. It is divine creation. God
founded the stale. The ruler of state is the deputy of God or his vice-regent
or viceroy on earth. He derives his Authority from Him and is responsible for
his actions to Him alone. Obedience to the dictates and orders of the king is
an unpardonable sin. The theme of the theory is that a king is above law. He is
not subject to the authority of any person or persons other than God.
Evaluation of divine origin theory in
the light of historical evidence:
The Divine
Origin or theocratic conception is as old as the state itself. It was
universally popular among the early people. The earliest rulers combined in
them both the political and religious power and they were known as priest
kings. The idea of Divine Origin of the stat is practically found in every
religion. In some religions, it is explicit and in others it is implicit.
In Christianity
The chief
exponents of this theory were the Jews. In the Old Testament, there are repeated references to the conception that
God selects, appoints, dismisses and even slays rulers. The king is treated as
owing responsibility to God alone for his acts. Filmer in his book Patriarcha
(1680) argues that Adam was the first king and present kings are His heirs.
In Hinduism
In ancient
Hindu mythology, similar views regarding the origin of state are found
scattered here and there Reference to this theory is found in Mahabharata in
the following words: "When the world was in the state of anarchy, the
people approached God and requested him to provide a remedy. "Without a
chief' they said, "0 Lord! we are perishing. Give us a chief, O Lord! whom
we shall worship in concert and who will protect us. God, thus appointed Manu
to rule over them". The theory as such held sway in primitive age.
Obedience to the state and kings was both a religious and civil duty and
disobedience was sacrilege. Religion and politics then were inseparable.
In Islam
So was the
case with the Caliph of Islam who was considered to be not only the religious
head of the Islamic world but also their emperor.
Today divine
origin theory has little support among political thinkers. Blind faith and
unfounded superstitions have no appeal to a modern mind. Reason and logic have
taken the place of faith.
