Imagine the scenario:
Large Scale economic transformation is occurring, the working and middle class are in decline, and there is pronounced social schism. Due to a combination of public anger and external destabilizing interference, the central government is paralyzed.
During this interval, the human tendency for community results in a progressively greater and eventually in some areas total reliance on a self-formed local organization.
In such or similar instances, do people with strong cultural cohesion and uniformity that come with fundamentalist religious beliefs have a temporary advantage from their pre-existing group structure (the religion)?
Saying "We all worship the _____ and praise the name of ____________" is sort like saying "we're all on the same side and believe the same shit and we're a group and will look after one another". Would that make them stronger during periods of disruption/decline?