Why government support for religion doesn’t necessarily make people more religious

Why government support for religion doesn’t necessarily make people more religious

History offers plenty of lessons about what happens when governments support faith groups – and it doesn't always help them. cosmonaut/iStock via Getty Images PlusThe IRS will offer religious congregations more freedom to endorse political candidates without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status, the agency said in a July 2025 court filing. President Donald Trump has previously vowed to abolish the Johnson Amendment, which bars charitable nonprof…

Why government support for religion doesn’t necessarily make people more religious

by Brendan Szendro, McGill University, [This article first appeared in The Conversation, republished with permission] The IRS will offer religious congregations more freedom to endorse political candidates without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status, the agency said in a July 2025 court filing. President Donald Trump has previously vowed to abolish the Johnson Amendment, which bars charitable nonprofits from taking part in political campaigns –…