>I believe I have given the answer to the first question once before,
>religion is simply a strategy for passing social traditions,
>including experience and knowledge, down through the generations.
>
>Without social customs and beliefs, then there is no society in any
>meaningful sense, just a collection of individuals.
Yes, but much of American Protestantism is deeply individualistic - it's all about one's direct relation to God, with little institutional mediation. At least the Catholic Church runs good hospitals and nursing homes - I'm trying to think of a socially useful contribution of the Baptists. Maybe someone can help me out.
Doug