[danbmil99]

I agree this tendency is strong among Jews due probably mostly to historical prejudice. But it's clearly the case among many Muslim communities (look up the Maldives) -- you don't even really have the option to give it up.

And as for Catholics, I have known many who say it's always there as part of their identity, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Protestant Christianity seems almost an outlier in the way people come and go in the various sects. But even there, especially in the Southern USA, I've heard people say it is so ingrained into their culture that the thought of professing agnosticism or atheism is a truly life-changing, possibly life-wrecking decision.

I stand by my premise, that religion is way more mixed up with family identity than would be the case if it were simply a pure expression of belief.