In chess the king is at great disadvantage without the bishops.
The same with authoritarian politics.

It is my belief that the teachings of religion is always to suppress freedom and adore the boss, overlord or God. This allows a king a legitimacy since the minions are taught to want and need a leader who is always there to decide for them. Without the support of that segment of society a king has little advantage except to exploit fear and victimhood which the king will find a limited angry but loyal base.

It seems obvious to me but many pundits claim that they do not understand the attraction to Trump and fascism. Many people really want to be told what to do.