>I suspect that the direction of causation may be different
>from, if not opposite of what the authors of this
>study are reported as claiming. That is that relatively
>healthy societies are less likely to be religious since
>they have alternative means for promoting community
>and social identity as compared to societies like
>the US where such means are lacking.
I suspect it runs both ways. American Protestantism - white American Protestantism, that is - encourages individualism, self-reliance, and a direct relationship with god. It's not big on building institutions larger than a church. (I've often been struck by how Catholics create serious universities and important hospitals - what comparable things, aside from Bible colleges, do American Protestants create?) It's a perfect religion for our brand of survival of the fittest capitalism. Then, seeking some companionship and comfort amidst the atomism that results, they go to churches that only encourage more of the same. It's a vicious cycle.
Doug