Theocratic Socialism

Theocratic Socialism, also referred to as Clerical Communalism and most often shortened to Theo-Socialism or TheoSoc is a term for a variety of economically left religious movements. Theo-Soc ideologies seek to combine a strict religious doctrine and clerical leadership with forms of Proto-Socialism, Socialism and Marxism. While there is only one declaratively Theo-Socialist state on Urth – being the Holy Peasants’ Republic of Gransrik – movements with similar ideals exist amongst many religious groups. Many have stated a link between the ideals of Theo-Socialism and Communal Nationalism, with some stating is as simply a Clerical version of the ideology, this has been criticised by Theo-Socialists as a strawman argument against their beliefs – stating that they are neither fascists nor communists – although some factions within the ideology argue that Theocracy and Communism can coexist viably. Still, many critics of the ideology on the left and right see Theo-Socialism as a bastardisation of Socialism and Theocracy respectively.

Luterites and Theo-Socialism in Ademarism

Gransmeric Ademarists – more commonly known as Luterites - are the most prominent example of Theo-Socialism, being the state ideology of Gransrik. Luterite doctrine states the need to follow the interpretation of Ademarism made by Borko Luter, an Arkian born under the Asendavian Empire. Luter’s ideas of true equality under the God-On-Urth led him to proto-socialist beliefs of a Holy Republic. He and his followers, the first Luterites, were exiled from Asendavian Arkalrius to North Novaris, in which they would declare the first Theo-Socialist State, the Holy Peasants’ Republic of Gransrik after a violent takeover of the dwarf-led Republic of Gransmer in 1665. These founding beliefs of Equality and Religious Extremism stayed with the state, forming the first and only current example of Theo-Soc ideas on a national scale.

While the Luterites are the largest group of Theo-Socialists within Ademarism, the flexible nature of the religion has seen the movement act as a fringe ideology in certain branches of the religion – although often overshadowed by more socially progressive forms of Ademarism such as those gaining popularity in Cryria or more economically conservative forms such as those dominant in Asendavia and Vistaraland.

Theo-Socialism in Other Religions

Asatru

Certain groups in Asatru religion have been referred to as somewhat Theo-Socialist in nature, however a majority of these movements branch off from Theo-Socialist beliefs at their very foundation, making their status as Theo-Socialists questionable at best. The main source for Theo-Socialist appealing policy in Norgsveldet has been put forward by moderate political groups such as the Asatru Democrats in a combination of their traditionalist agrarian beliefs with the desire for economic equality amongst the Norgsveltian Social Democratic Centre-Left. However, these parties deny themselves to be associated with the Theo-Socialist movement, with the referral to them as such being more common abroad or as a derogatory notion.

The Ernok Traditionalist Party, a subsection of the Workers’ National Frontier of Durakia, is a much more obedient example of the ideology in the Asatru Religion, with certain members of the party referring to themselves as such, seeking a radical return to traditional Asatru social practices while maintaining the economic system of Durakia. This ultranationist leaning ideal of Theo-Socialism mixes well with the WNF’’s tendency towards Communal Nationalism, with the ETP often blurring the lines between the two extremist ideologies, though the party remains a broad coalition of radicals – facilitating the growth of both movements within it.

The Cult of Martov

The Cult of Martov, a deistic cult within Durakia, has occasionally been referred to as Theo-Socialist in nature, with their totalitarian desire to control social order combined to their worship of leftist principals. Many members of the Cult of Martov state it as a religion, giving credence to Martovism as a theo-socialist ideology due to its lack of separation between religious and political leadership and radical leftist economic policy. This is a highly controversial view amongst the already small group of Martovists, with some praising Theo-Socialist principals while others denounce it as an insult to socialism brought upon by megalomania in the religious elite.

Milishism

The Religion of Milishism, state religion of Durdanini has often been associated with Theo-Socialism since the nation’s independence. This is due to its blend of Theocracy and Democracy that naturally lay the foundations for Theo-Socialist beliefs amongst the urban population of the state, with the Theocratic nature of the state making the ideology a much less radical shift then the secular forms of socialism seen as the typical socialist doctrine around the world. It is not entirely dominant in the state, however, as it struggles to gain appeal in the more economically conservative rural regions, who see it as a departure from the traditional tribal system previously in place.

Other Religions

While not directly having a notable Theo-Socialist organisation, it is often stated by Theo-Socialists that many religions and religious groups are aligned to their ideology by the nature of their theology. Tunseism is one of the major examples of this, with an argument that Theo-Socialism and Equality as part of Tunsé are already a big part of the religion, even if not directly referred to as such. A more minor example is the Cult of Fortuna, which has been noted by Theo-Socialists due to its rising influence and traction following its history of oppression and persecution by the state of Fortuna.

The Coexistence of Communism and Religion

Often seen in Akronism, the ability of a communist state to exist peacefully with religion has been seen by some Theo-Socialist thinkers as a stepping stone to true Theo-Socialism. The two current examples of this are the Novari states of Ekvatora and Vesienväl, with the former’s southern region of Mulnika developing a strong movement of Akronist Theo-Socialism in accordance with the Communist Government of Ekvatora being tolerant of both Asatru and Akronism within it’s borders to a certain degree. This is less of a case amongst Akronists in Vesienväl, however the Church of Akrona and the Communist government of the state enjoy an agreement of mutual toleration, demonstrating well how Akronism can peacefully coexist with Communism.