Modernization theory falsely assumed religion would wither away.

Evidence

Pipa Norris and Ronald Inglehart find that strong and stable secular institutions erode religion. Religion has declined most steeply in welfare states such as Denmark, Sweden, and France. In these countries, living standards are some of the highest in the world, and government services provide a social safety net from cradle to grave. — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 567 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: The religious-versus-secular millennialism dichotomy no longer holds. — Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy: Apocalyptic…, 131; Twentieth-century elites assumed modernization would eliminate religion entirely — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 260; Modernization theory predicted secularization of religion and natural gender equality — Sherene Razack, Casting Out: The Eviction of Muslims…, 244 (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Strong welfare states with stable institutions erode religious belief #complicates (0.82) — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 567