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Concept of Deicracy A Paradigm of Ethical Governance, Spiritual Stewardship, and Collective Wisdom.
Concept of Deicracy A Paradigm of Ethical Governance, Spiritual Stewardship, and Collective Wisdom.
By Dr Avitus Leonard
Founding President
Dei Institute – Online University (DIOU)
ABSTRACT
The rise of extremism on a global scale has become a pressing challenge to the core tenets of
democracy, casting a shadow over the concept of the "loyal opposition" and the vital role it
plays in maintaining accountability within democratic systems.1 Extremist ideologies, often
marked by a rejection of compromise, inclusivity, and dialogue, pose a direct threat to the
democratic values of diversity and open discourse.2 This paper critically examines the potential
of Deicracy, a novel governance model that intricately weaves divine principles with
democratic ideals, as a potent solution to counteract the adverse impacts of extremism within
modern democratic frameworks.
Deicracy, at its essence, places a strong emphasis on ethical governance, collective decision-
making, and a sense of global responsibility. It introduces a unique paradigm where spiritual
wisdom becomes an integral part of the political landscape. In the face of rising extremism,
Deicracy offers a distinctive approach, fostering an environment that prioritizes democratic
values and accountability. The model's commitment to ethical governance ensures that leaders
are held responsible not only to the electorate but also to higher moral and spiritual principles.
In the Deicratic framework, leaders are encouraged to approach governance with a profound
understanding of their global responsibilities. This includes promoting peace, justice, and
compassion not only within the nation's borders but also on the international stage. By
integrating spiritual wisdom into the political decision-making process, Deicracy aims to
mitigate the divisive and exclusionary tendencies associated with extremism. This paper delves
1
"Changing Nature of Democracy," United Nations University, August 2023. Available
at: https://collections.unu.edu/eserv/UNU:2382/changing_nature_of_democracy.pdf. ↩
2
The Value of Democracy." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Available
at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/democracy/The-value-of-democracy#ref357705. ↩
into the intricate dynamics of Deicracy, exploring how its principles align with the democratic
ideals that extremist ideologies often challenge. Through a comprehensive analysis of case
studies and theoretical frameworks, it provides insights into how Deicracy can act as a robust
counterbalance to extremism, contributing to the preservation of democratic values and the
establishment of an inclusive, compassionate, and accountable governance system. As
democratic societies grapple with the complex issue of rising extremism, the potential of
Deicracy emerges as a promising avenue for reinvigorating and fortifying the foundations of
democracy in the contemporary world.
INTRODUCTION
As we navigate the complexity of the twenty-first century, new critiques of democracy have
developed, shining light on alleged flaws in the democratic framework.3 I believe that, rather
than being an all-encompassing solution for social demands, democracy has in some cases
paved the path for the creation of dictators, arrogant leaders, and those in authority who lack
essential values such as compassion. There is a concept that is very loved by many politicians
which states as follows, “The voice of the people has been said to be the voice of God”4;
and however generally this maxim has been quoted and believed, but it is not true. We see
our fellow leaders of the churches and other religious leaders supporting lies. What I
believe is true: God can use men, but we must test every spirit to determine if it is from
God. The voice of men has never been the voice of God, but God can use a person.
Promoting this statement to people, making them psychologically believe it is true, is a
great mistake. The minds of people are corrupted until a person seeks God and asks for
God to transform their mind. The minds of our leaders today and their ways do not reflect
God's way. Its customs, beliefs, values, philosophies, traditions, and practices are not of
God. For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they
were moved by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21. This statement has been spoken commonly
by politicians in the name of manipulations. It has been used by many people and leaders
as a means of deceiving people into believing that decisions made by large groups or
crowds of people are representative of God speaking. This is absolutely false and in many
cases is used as a means of manipulation. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither
are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isa 55:8-9).
Democracy allows us to choose, through the process of voting, the person we believe will
do the best job. However, this does not guarantee that the individual chosen is the choice
3
Democracy in the Twenty-First Century: Toward New Models of Democratic Governance."
Democracy Papers. Available at: https://items.ssrc.org/democracy-papers/democracy-in-the-
twenty-first-century-toward-new-models-of-democratic-governance/. ↩
4
Political Leaders Etiquette: Things Never Told
By Pastor Avitus Leonard, LHD (2021)1
of God to rule the people. Through the democratic process, evil men have at times gained
the upper hand and become dictators.
The voice of the people is often likened to that of a serpent, as recorded in Genesis 3:1: 'Now
the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He
said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”' The
serpent's voice differed from what God said, just as people's voices often do: 'But the serpent
said to the woman, “You will not surely die” (Gen 3:4).' Many individuals misuse this
comparison, particularly during political campaigns or when certain groups with political
interests seek to take power from the ruling party. This has resulted in numerous problems,
forcing people to become refugees in their own countries.
The political power of leaders is a product of political conditions; leaders do not exist before
these conditions are met. In other words, political leaders do not inherently possess power but
are granted it to navigate the political climate established by minority groups. It's essential to
be cautious about choosing leaders who might misuse the concept of the 'voice of the people
as the voice of God.'
Therefore, spokespeople, activists, or any political comrades from any party cannot be the sole
representatives of the voice of the people. Many political movements led by activists, human
rights leaders, or charismatic political figures have cost the lives of numerous innocent people.
Some leaders use political blackmail on their people, claiming the need for a new government
when, in reality, they seek power for themselves, not the people. The so-called 'voice of the
people' is not always representative of the people but often stems from certain groups with
political interests. Consequently, they may disregard others and prioritize their own agenda. If
you belong to a different party or hold different ideologies, you automatically become their
enemy, along with anything associated with you.5
This scrutiny has led to a growing scepticism about the ability of democratic systems to ensure
responsible and ethical leadership. This exploration delves into these challenges, analysing the
roots of criticism, assessing their validity, and exploring potential avenues for addressing them.
In the modern era, democracy has often been hailed as a beacon of individual liberties and
democratic governance. However, the promise of a government run by and for the people has,
5
Ibid
at times, given way to disenchantment. People observe politicians who seem to be at odds with
the democratic principles they are supposed to defend rising to power. Moreover, modern
democracy is perceived as vulnerable to the rise of authoritarian leadership. Instead of serving
as a safeguard against autocracy, the democratic process has sometimes resulted in the election
of leaders who exploit democratic institutions to consolidate power and erode democratic
norms. This has, in turn, weakened the fabric of a healthy democracy, which relies on leaders
embodying qualities such as humility, empathy, and a genuine concern for the welfare of the
populace. 6However, critics contend that, in some cases, democracy has produced leaders
marked by arrogance, a lack of humility, and a disregard for the values that underpin
compassionate governance. This raises fundamental questions about the selection processes
within democracies and the criteria by which leaders are judged.
The erosion of essential values within democratic leadership is a concern that resonates in
contemporary discourse. Democracy should be built on the principles of justice, equality, and
representation. There are sometimes, these principles are compromised by leaders who
prioritize personal gain over the common good, resulting in a deficit of the values that
underpin ethical governance. The emergence of dictators, arrogant leaders, and a values
deficit has fostered growing scepticism about the efficacy of democratic systems. Citizens,
disillusioned by the outcomes of democratic processes, may question the very foundations of
this political model. This scepticism poses a challenge to the legitimacy and stability of
democratic institutions. Moreover, as citizens become less concerned about what is happening
and distance themselves from democracy, the role of the media becomes crucial in shaping
public opinion and influencing political landscapes, especially in the increasingly complex
digital age. The proliferation of misinformation, the influence of biased news outlets, and
the manipulation of information dynamics have compromised the integrity of democratic
processes. The challenge lies in navigating a media landscape that is both a cornerstone of
democracy and a potential source of its vulnerabilities.
CURRENT DEMOCRACIES
Democracy, as a political philosophy, is built on the pillars of justice, equality, and
representation. However, contemporary democracies often find themselves at the crossroads of
ethical dilemmas. Critics contend that moral, just, and compassionate dimensions are
6
Available at: Democratisation's Third Wave and the Challenges
compromised by various factors, raising profound questions about the ethical landscape within
which democratic societies operate. The current state of democracy faces scrutiny due to
perceived deficiencies in its moral, just, and compassionate dimensions. Critics argue that
within the framework of democratic systems, practices have been allowed to persist that deviate
from natural principles and the divine order intended by a higher power. This critique delves
into the ethical foundation of democracy, questioning the moral compass that guides
democratic societies. In the 21st century, understanding and addressing these deficiencies have
become paramount for the evolution of democratic ideals.
The moral vacuum in decision-making processes has taken on a new dimension. In the pursuit
of political expediency, moral considerations often take a backseat. Issues such as corruption,
ethical lapses, and a focus on short-term gains have eroded the moral fabric that underpin
democratic governance. The influences of special interest groups, lobbying, and the nexus
between politics and business are often cited as contributors to moral deficiencies within
democratic systems.
While justice is considered a cornerstone of democratic ideals, the current landscape reveals
instances where justice is perceived to be compromised. Systemic biases within legal
frameworks have led to disparities in the application of justice based on socioeconomic factors.
The concept of social justice within democratic societies is now an ongoing challenge, as our
communities continue to face disproportionate hardships. The failure of democracy to bring
true justice to these communities raises questions about the justness of international relations
and the impact of democratic nations on the global stage. Neocolonialism, economic
exploitation, and geopolitical power dynamics challenge the just dimensions of democracies in
a broader global context.
SYNTHESIS IN DEICRACY
The synthesis in Deicracy is a nuanced blending of divine principles with the participative and
collective decision-making aspects of democracy. This synthesis shapes a distinctive political
ideology that seeks to harmonize human rule with spiritual guidance, creating a governance
model that goes beyond conventional political structures. The synthesis in Deicracy is a
complex interplay of divine and democratic elements that redefines the foundations of
governance. It introduces a paradigm where ethical considerations, collective decision-making,
spiritual stewardship, philosophical reflection, and global responsibility converge to shape a
political ideology that transcends traditional boundaries. The synthesis in Deicracy offers a
holistic approach to governance, inviting a re-evaluation of how political systems can integrate
spiritual wisdom into the fabric of democratic ideals. At its core, the synthesis in Deicracy
represents the convergence of "Dei," signifying the divine or God, and "Cracy," denoting rule
or power by the people. This synthesis is not a mere linguistic juxtaposition; it is a conceptual
fusion that redefines the relationship between governance, spirituality, and the people.
1. Ethical Governance:
a) Incorporating Divine Principles: Deicracy posits the integration of divine principles
within governance. This implies a commitment to ethical governance, where decisions
are not solely driven by human reasoning but are also aligned with moral and spiritual
values.
b) Moral Compass: The synthesis emphasizes the establishment of a moral compass
derived from human reason and societal norms, Deicracy introduces a transcendent
source of values. This source serves as a guiding force for both individual and
collective decision-making, promoting a holistic approach to governance.
3. Spiritual Stewardship:
a) Leaders as Custodians: The synthesis envisions leaders not only as custodians of the
people's will but also as guardians of divine principles. This dual role requires leaders
to uphold not only the democratic ideals of representation but also the spiritual values
embedded in the Deicratic framework.
b) Responsibility Beyond Human Mandate: Leaders in a Deicratic system bear a
responsibility that extends beyond the mandate given by the people. They are
entrusted with the task of aligning political decisions with the divine guidance that
forms the foundation of the governance system.
4. Philosophical Reflection:
a) Philosophical Underpinnings: The synthesis encourages philosophical reflection as
an integral part of political discourse. It invites a contemplation of the philosophical
underpinnings that guide decision-making, prompting a deeper exploration of values
and their origins.
b) Balancing Reason and Faith: Philosophical reflection in Deicracy involves
balancing human reason with faith. It seeks to reconcile the rational aspects of
governance with the acknowledgment of spiritual dimensions, fostering a more
holistic understanding of political philosophy.
5. Global Responsibility:
a) Beyond National Borders: Deicracy's synthesis instills a sense of global
responsibility. It recognizes that divine principles are not confined by national borders
and encourages leaders to consider the broader implications of their decisions on a
global scale.
b) Promoting Universal Values: The synthesis advocates for the promotion of universal
values rooted in spirituality. This global outlook aims to contribute to a world where
governance is guided by shared ethical principles.
6. Key Aspects of Deicracy:
a) Ethical Governance: Deicracy implies a governance style that is not only shaped by
human reason but also guided by ethical and moral principles derived from a
transcendent source.
b) Collective Decision-Making: Like democracy, Deicracy emphasizes the collective
This equation suggests that Deicracy is the summation of key components, including the
integration of divine principles, the emphasis on collective decision-making, the commitment
to ethical governance, the role of spiritual stewardship, the encouragement of philosophical
reflection, and the acknowledgment of global responsibility. Each element contributes to the
overall framework of Deicracy, creating a unique and holistic approach to governance.
Deicracy emphasizes democratic values that are interwoven with a better awareness of divine
guidance in the political scene. This philosophy supports a framework that prioritizes the public
input while also integrating spiritual insight into the process of making decisions. Political
leaders are not only required to be intelligent leaders in Deicracy, but also to be conduits for
heavenly inspiration. Deicracy promotes reflection on the ethical and moral basis of
governance. It encourages a collaborative investigation of values, establishing a society that
strives to match its activities with ideals obtained not only from human reason, but also from a
transcendent source. This intellectual dimension gives society a moral compass that goes
beyond ordinary political views. Furthermore, leadership through Deicracy demands an
acceptance of greater responsibility and goes beyond simple administrative abilities. In
addition to being stewards of the people's will, leaders also protect heavenly values. Combining
spiritual stewardship with leadership skills, these automatics seek to develop a just, moral, and
compassionate form of government.
CONCLUSION
At its core, Deicracy advocates for a holistic approach to leadership, one that not only considers
the collective voice of the people but also integrates spiritual wisdom into decision-making
processes. This synthesis of divine guidance and democratic principles introduces a unique
blend that seeks to address the moral vacuum often associated with contemporary democracies.
Dr. Leonard's proposition prompts a critical examination of the ethical foundations that
underpin governance, encouraging leaders to serve not only as custodians of public will but as
guardians of divine principles.