Most kings, dictators, emperors in history claimed to be gods themselves or at least to have been chosen by whatever gods were popular in their territories.

Generally none of these guys were big on following the moral teachings of “their” religion, more to claim that what they want is a direct emanation of the will of the gods, so it must just be accepted.

That’s why separation of Church and State is a thing in a working democracy and that’s (of f-ing course) why it’s now being targeted