Intrinsic religious devotion may heighten rather than reduce prejudice through a sense of chosenness.
Evidence
An association of devout, intrinsic religion – the form of religion that Allport thought unmade prejudice – with higher self-esteem has been frequently reported (see Batson et al. 1993, pp. 257–90; Pargament, 2002). Its association with universal tolerance and compassion is less clear. The limited research that exists suggests the opposite (e.g., Batson et al., 1993, 1999, 2001; Burris & Jackson, 2000; Deconchy, 1980; Jackson & Hunsberger, 1999). Rather than a precondition for universal tolerance and compassion, the esteem boost associated with devout, intrinsic religion may be a product of a sense of privileged status in the eyes of God. Such a sense may heighten, not diminish, religion-based ethnocentric animosity. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2571 (
#expands, via linked claim)
Its association with universal tolerance and compassion is less clear. The limited research that exists suggests the opposite (e.g., Batson et al., 1993, 1999, 2001; Burris & Jackson, 2000; Deconchy, 1980; Jackson & Hunsberger, 1999). Rather than a precondition for universal tolerance and compassion, the esteem boost associated with devout, intrinsic religion may be a product of a sense of privileged status in the eyes of God. Such a sense may heighten, not diminish, religion-based ethnocentric animosity. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2571 (
#corroborates, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Implicit prejudice may decline when people internalize inclusive religious teachings autonomously rather than authoritariously. — Wade C. Rowatt and Lewis M. Franklin, Christian Orthodoxy, Religious…, 88; Religion can either reinforce or reduce prejudice depending on its function.; Devout religion’s esteem boost derives from a sense of divine privilege, not compassion (+6 more)
Broader Connections
- Devout religion’s self-esteem boost may heighten rather than reduce prejudice
#expands(0.95) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2571 - The esteem boost from devout religion may heighten rather than reduce ethnocentric animosity.
#corroborates(0.93) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2571