theonomy

The term "theonomy," derived from Greek words for "God" and "law," refers to the theological view that biblical laws, particularly those from the Old Testament, are still morally binding and should inform civil law. This concept gained traction in the 1970s through figures associated with Christian Reconstructionism, who advocated for rebuilding society on biblical foundations.1

The term "theonomy" has also been used by theologians like Paul Tillich to describe how human freedom can align with divine truth. In this context, theonomy signifies a law that is freely embraced, distinguishing it from externally imposed (heteronomy) or self-created (autonomy) laws. Tillich's "method of correlation" in his Systematic Theology explored this interplay, relating questions of human reason to answers found in revelatory experience and faith.12