The esteem boost from devout religion may heighten rather than reduce ethnocentric animosity.

Evidence

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