Theonomous Culture
Theonomous culture is based on the Greek terms "theos" meaning God and "nomos" meaning law. This type of culture believes that God's law is self-evident within the human heart and therefore is the only source of morality. People in this culture find a consensus in society about the moral imperatives within them, making this culture a harmonious and orderly one. Morality is believed to come from a higher power and individuals strive to live in accordance with divine law. The belief that God is the ultimate source of morality is a defining characteristic of this type of culture.
Heteronomous Culture
Heteronomous culture, on the other hand, is characterized by "heteros" meaning different and "nomos" meaning law. This culture is characterized by two distinct sets of laws - one set for the controlling few and another for the masses. In heteronomous cultures, the law is dictated from above, whether it be through religious leaders or political figures. In secular terms, Marxism is a prime example of a heteronomous culture. In religious terms, Islam functions in a heteronomous manner where the dictates come from religious leaders and are followed by the masses.
Autonomous Culture
Lastly, autonomous culture is based on the terms "autos" meaning self and "nomos" meaning law. As the name suggests, emphasizes individual autonomy. In autonomous cultures, individuals are free to make their own choices and are held accountable for their actions. Autonomous cultures pride themselves on being self-driven and individually focused. However, there are certain questions that arise when it comes to autonomous cultures. For example, do we truly respect the autonomy of each individual? If one person chooses to live a materialistic life and another chooses to follow God, should their autonomy not be respected? The reality, however, is that when views differ, the autonomous culture can quickly turn into a heteronomous one, where individuals are told what they should believe, rather than allowing them to hold their own beliefs.
It's important to note that autonomous and heteronomous cultures both have their limitations and, in a way can't exist, as they cancel out the opinions and beliefs of individuals. Theonomous culture, on the other hand, provides a clear source of morality and allows individuals to live in accordance with divine law. The theonomous culture is therefore the only way for us to deal with moral issues in a manner that promotes a just society.
