<But there is one thing that the US did not abandon (unfortunately, I'm afraid) and that's the influence of religion in society.

True, rather than abandon religion, europeans flocked to America, so that they could worship how and what they wanted. In Europe, to do so was to invite persecution.

True, religion was removed from the temporal power, but rather than abandoning it completely, new Americans felt the need to create new ones.


Why would they abandon it completely? They came here so they could embrace their religion of choice. No need to abandon something when you finally get what you want. I also see nothing wrong with creating your own religion, if that's what you feel is right, barring you don't impose on other's inalienable rights to worship (or not worship) in whatever way they wish. Its called freedom.

But then, perhaps society wasn't ripe enough to completely remove it from our minds.

Or there might be some who actually think religion is a good thing. I for one believe in and worship God. Now why do you want to take that away? Kinda sounds like the Europe my great great grandfather knew. Would you like to know why he got on a boat with his family and fled Europe? Here's a hint, Europe didn't have one of these:

BILL OF RIGHTS
I - Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion and Petition
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

But then Raoul, we've had this conversation before. In fact my forefathers probably had the same one with your forefathers.

regards,
Steve G.