Religion and Democratic Commitment: A Unifying Motivational Framework

There is no easy answer to the question of whether religiosity promotes or hinders commitment democracy. Earlier research largely pointed as a source antidemocratic orientations. More recent empirical evidence less conclusive, however, suggesting that effect on democratic could be positive, negative, null. We review existing approaches study and commitment, focusing support for system, political engagement, tolerance, by distinguishing accounts examine single dimension from adopt multidimensional approach. show approaches, while effective in accounting discrete norms, fall short some inconsistencies literature identifying mechanisms may responsible shaping how affects endorsement norms whole. To fill this gap, we propose Religious Motivations Expressions (REME) model. Applying theories goal constructs religion, model maps associations between three religious expressions (belief, social behavior, private behavior) motivations underly these expressions. discuss inconsistent elements can rendered interpretable once underlying expressions, well contextual information, are accounted for. contend applying religion critical understanding nature religion-democracy nexus.