Theocracy is defined as a government whose leaders are thought to be guided by a divine influence. The Crucible is not only an illustration of Arthur Miller's opposition to theocracy, but a reminder that we cannot successfully mix religion and state. No religion is objective enough to be applied to the governing of a country. If the town's law is God's law, then every infraction of the law has to be considered a sin. Arthur Miller, who was subjected to a modern-day witch hunt, knew firsthand that when fear of the unknown and ignorance dominates a governing body, the result can be destructive and chaotic.

             The setting for The Crucible is Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. At that time, the colonies in America had become fairly strong and self-sufficient. However, the colonists were still living under a strict set of rules that had been in place since their initial arrival. The individuals who held political power in each township and community were also the spiritual leaders. Because it probably took a high level of cooperation to survive through the original settling of the colonies, everyone adhered to this system, and agreed to keep watch on their neighbors for any inappropriate behavior. By this time in Salem, some people had been able to procure more land and property than others. Various disagreements had developed among the people about land and personal matters, and the problems became intertwined due to the religious nature of their society's structure.

             Salem's influential pastor in The Crucible is Reverend Parris. When his daughter becomes ill and witchcraft is brought up, he becomes very concerned that his job will be threatened. Parris had seen his niece, Abigail with a group of girls dancing in the forest with his black slave. Because he did not understand what he saw, he himself jumped to the conclusion that witchcraft might be involved. He sends for an "expert" on the subject, another Reverend, John Hale.