State Support for Religion and Government Legitimacy in Christian-Majority Countries

Most assume that when governments support a religion, they do so in the hope will increase their legitimacy. However, growing literature implies for religion may decrease government’s legitimacy three reasons. First, political secularism, an ideology mandating separation of and state or restrictions on is increasingly popular. Second, can undermine religious vitality. Third, entails element government control over which perceived authenticity religion. We test this support–legitimacy relationship Christian-majority countries from 1990 to 2014 using Religion State World Values Survey data, comprising 54 126 country years. find associated with lower levels individual confidence government. posit has important implications our understanding underpinnings