Global trust in religion far exceeds trust in government

Evidence

These kinds of attitudes are not unique to American society—they can also be found in varying degrees in much of the world where there are religious majorities. In a worldwide survey of 81 countries representing 85 percent of the world’s population, conducted between 1999 and 2002, overall, almost two-thirds of all participants said they trust religion, compared to only half who trust their government, and only about one-third who trust political parties. — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 213

Categorization

• CANDY: A punchy elevator fact: across 85% of humanity, religion is trusted more than government or political parties.
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 213
• XREF: connects to: Least religious nations rank highest in rule of law and trust; Distrust of government is easier to ground rationally than trust; Perceived accountability to supernatural monitors extends trust beyond one’s own religious community (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Least religious nations rank highest in rule of law and trust #contradicts (0.90)
• God-fearing reputations are trusted even by outsiders and nonbelievers #contradicts (0.80)
• Distrust of government is easier to ground rationally than trust #complicates (0.75)
• Perceived accountability to supernatural monitors extends trust beyond one’s own religious community #contradicts (0.75)