Thank you for the question on the nature of the Bible and Qudran, “Are holy books like the Bible and the Quran democratic or dictatorial in orientation?”
In this response, I will defer the answer about the Quran being a democratic or dictatorial in orientation to a Muslim. It will be inappropriate for me to comment on the Quran.
Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration regarding the Bible:
A. In the Old and New Testament, a conquering ruler would establish his laws on a conquered people or on his own people.
When Joseph was elevated to “Prime Minister” of Egypt, Pharaoh gave him full authority over Egypt. Later when the Israelites became enslaved under the Egyptians, Pharaoh dictated the laws upon them. His command to destroy the male children of the Israelite slaves and in opposition to Moses. The Babylonians and Persians had irrevocable laws. Roman law was imposed over the conquered nations based on Caesar’s decree and the Senate’s approval.
Genesis 41 says this about Pharaoh’s appointment of Joseph, “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you” (NIV).
Daniel 3 says this about King Nebuchadnezzar’s decree, “Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: 5 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace” (NIV).
Within the culture of the Old and New Testament times, the conquering ruler or nation dictated the rules for the defeated people group.
B. In the Old Testament, the Israelites entered into a covenant with YHWH to obey his laws.
The Israelites who were freed under the leadership of Moses had the choice to remain in Egypt, follow Moses their deliverer, or depart on their own way. Those Israelites who followed Moses entered into a conditional covenant between the God who delivered them to obey his law and themselves.
At that moment of time when God offered this conditional contract, the Israelites had the opportunity to accept or to decline. One can say that the decision was a “voice” vote, but once that decision was made, the Israelites obligated themselves to God and God was obligated to fulfill his covenant to them.
Exodus 19 says this, “So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD” (NIV).
Joshua 24 says this, “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (NIV).
In one sense, every generation is called upon to decide whether that person or family will continue to follow the commands of God. For the nation of Israel, it was a national covenant, but individuals still had to affirm their willingness to obey the laws of God.
Summary: God dictated the laws for his people, but it is his people who must decide whether to follow the laws of God or not. The laws of God are not subject to being amended by his people.
-Kingston