What do ideals of monotheistic religions and the ideals of democracy have in common?

Answer 1

Democracy is a form of government that allows all to take part in deciding who should lead the nation for the time being, having equal regard for the views of each individual, regardless of political allegiance. One of the ideals of democracy is that all points of view are respected. Even those whose votes are in a minority should be heard and their legitimate interests should not be overridden by the majority.

Monotheistic religions share some important ideals with the great polytheistic religions of the world, and to that extent contribute to the ideals of democracy. However, some who follow one of the great monotheistic religions believe that those whose allegiance is to other religions are not rational and and should be shown the errors of their ways. Some even say that only the monotheistic religions have legitimate interests because all other religions are false and thus inferior.

As distinct from polytheistic religions and animism, there is not a great deal in common between the ideals unique to monotheism and the ideals of democracy. The ideal of all people worshipping one God, owing allegiance to one religion, has more in common with the ideal of a benign Dictatorship than to democracy.