What Concerns Do Lower-ranking Officials Have about Religion in Contemporary China? Findings from List Experiments

This article explores the nuanced views of lower-ranking Chinese officials about religious activities. Utilising list experiments, it overcomes the difficulty of obtaining genuine opinions on religious affairs from officials, who often face political constraints and toe the Party line. Findings show that officials are concerned mainly about the organisational aspects of religious groups rather than merely the growth of these groups. They also demonstrate sophisticated views on religious ideologies, evident in their differing concerns for Taoism and Protestantism. Social desirability bias is then discovered among these officials who exaggerate their worries about Taoism and downplay those for Protestantism, creating an illusion of religious freedom.