Religiosity in the U.S.

[Dhlazare at aol.com]

Yes, but what invariably strikes the American observer is the comparative
absence of religious piety, whereas in the US the piety is suffocating.
Ironically, separation of church and state in America seems to have resulted
in generalization of religious sentiment at a political level, while union of
church and state in the UK seems to have resulted in politics that are
relatively uninfected.

Certain brits, most notably Tom Nairn, are all too quick to regard the U.S. as
a product of 18th-century rationalism.  It's much more a product of 16th and
17th-century Puritanism.  By the same token, of course, Americans are all too
quick to overlook the antiquated nature of the British Constitution.

  
Dan Lazare.

In a message dated 98-06-15 07:18:41 EDT, you write:

<< 

 Once again, I have to regretfully inform the list that Britain is no

 haven of enlightened values. The religiosity of the political class is

 on the increase. Tony Blair in particular is in evangelical style. I

 don't know whether he has referred to Britain as a Shining City on a

 Hill yet but he surely will, having no qualms over waxing lyrical about

 'Young Britain', 'Cool Britannia' and so on. >>