What does the Divine Right Theory assert?

The Divine Right Theory asserts that governments are established and legitimized through divine will, meaning that a ruler's authority comes directly from God. This concept often involves the belief that kings or rulers are appointed by a higher power and thus have an inherent right to govern, which cannot be questioned by their subjects. It emphasizes the idea that such authority is not derived from the consent of the governed, as is the case in social contract theories or democratic systems, but rather from a divine source. This theory historically justified the absolute authority of monarchs and played a significant role in shaping political thought in various cultures.