Religion, benevolent dictatorship or a democracy?

Depends on which religion you are talking about, lol! Look up Unitarian Universalism. We are a religion, but we are not one based on creeds or beliefs, but on covenants/promises we make to ourselves and to others on how we will live our lives. Our congregations are run by the members of the congregation with no real 'rule' or interference from the association.

To a believer it's a benevolent dictatorship. Much like Nazi Germany, where only a few members of the population saw hitler as a hero that could do no wrong. They're the source of 'holocaust deniers'.

To a non believer it's pretty much the opposite. Usually.

To people who only seek enlightenment, it could be defined as a democracy i guess. But for a democracy you need to have more than one person. Unless you have a cult of people joining the religion with you it really isn't that democratic.

Dictatorship.

Dictatorship is bad. It serves only the powerful. But if you are passing through a field of land mines, you'd better follow exactly the one who can safely get you through. He is serving your exact need.

Tyranny/fascism.

Tyranny/fascism.