There are issues regarding boundary conditions of the theories as scholars do not always explicitly define them. As a result of that many theories tend to claim that religious groups are agitators or social tranquilizers. This is problematic as religious groups are diverse and their influence on contentious collective action should show that.   

Albion College

There are five main limitations regarding the debate and studying of religious contentious collective action. These five knowledge gaps need to be filled to gain a better understanding of the role of religious organizations in contentious collective action.

Limitations of the Existing Debate: Religions Contentious Collective Action

Tao, Y. Agitators, Tranquilizers, or Something Else: Do Religious Groups Increase or Decrease Contentious Collective Action?. Religions 2018, 9(7), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9070213.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/9/7/213


Agitators, Tranquilizers, or Something Else: Do Religious Groups Increase or Decrease Contentious Collective Action?

The majority of the studies conducted are centered on institutional monotheisms, especially Christian denominations. While institutional monotheism can be seen as major world religion it is important to study polytheistic, pantheistic, and non-theistic religions. (Example: Buddhist, Hindu, and Taoist groups) 

Study focus: Limitations of the Existing Debate

Many studies recognize the importance of the intertwined identities regarding religious affiliation and ethical, political, and cultural identities. Though not many studies have focused on distinguishing the effects of religious identity on Religions Contentious Collective Action separate from other identities.  Other identities like ethnicity, political ideology, and cultural identity can greatly influence a person into participating in Contentious Collective Action.

Other factors: Limitations of the Existing Debate

Many of the studies have a framework of the church and state having a parallel relationship. This is not always the case as some countries have overwhelming government power in which the religious groups have none. Another imbalance maybe if the government strictly follows a religious doctrine. It's important to look at many different religious groups and their different relationships with the government. 

Church v. State:  Limitations of the Existing Debate

Many studies do not look at the link between religious identity and contentious collective action in regard to history. It's important to look at participation in a historical context. 

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