[darrmit]

The religious "trust" scale would likely look largely the same. While "deeply religious" may have been the reality for the US at one point, I think it would be hard to argue that with each generation we don't move a little further away from that. As someone who was previously "deeply religious" and am now "non-religious", I still wrestle with whether that's a good thing or not.

[Nevermark]

The politicization of religion could be argued to be a detriment to the country and also to religion.

The partisan side of politics (as apposed to the policy and persuation sides) has a way of undermining or sidelining the virtues, and the ability to operate with nuance, for any movement that over-identifies with either party.

[Night_Thastus]

There are some definite benefits to religion. It can promote a sense of place and belonging in people, facilities communities, cooperation, etc.

It can also do the exact opposite at times. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out in the long run.

[whatshisface]

Virtually any organization can promote a sense of place and belonging in people, facilitate communities, encourage cooperation, etc. Only one type of organization does it by arranging very serious lectures about things that didn't happen.