Overlapping category boundaries can manufacture a curvilinear relationship between church attendance and prejudice

Evidence

Batson et al. (1993) reviewed 41 findings obtained across 32 different studies between 1949 and 1990 of individuals from Christian backgrounds (mostly US samples). About one-third of these studies used some form of questionnaire or interview data to make the distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic religion. In each, those who were classified as intrinsic scored lower on prejudice than those classified as extrinsic. Two-thirds of the studies used level of religious activity to make the distinction. Again, in the overwhelming majority those who were highly involved in religious activities scored lower on prejudice than those who were only moderately involved. Across these 32 studies, prejudice of several types was assessed: racial and ethnic prejudice, anti-Semitism, social distance, and ethnocentrism. Extrinsic religion (or moderate religious activity) was associated with higher prejudice on all forms, whereas intrinsic religion (or high religious activity) was associated with relatively low prejudice. It is hard to imagine stronger support for Allport’s claims. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2539 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Racial prejudice peaks among moderate rather than frequent church attendees — Deborah L. Hall and David C. Matz and Wendy Wood, Why Don’t We Practice What We Preach? A…, 84; Routine church attendance does not reduce racist attitudes — Robert P. Jones, White Too Long: The Legacy of White…, 523; Religion’s effect on prejudice depends on how it fits personality (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Intrinsic religion robustly predicts lower prejudice across 32 studies of religious activity #complicates (0.80) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2539