>SNIP
>>You must know that the UK is not as religious as the US ... by far! I'm afraid I've rarely read the scriptures and there's fat chance of the latest generation doing so. We're ALL doomed!
>
>There is a large percentage of very religious people in the south and the midwest/central U.S. Other than that, it is not much different that the UK. There is a wide range of beliefs here from orthodox religions to eastern philosophies and new age religions and yes, atheists too. There are many that don't believe anything or don't know what they believe but adhere to the laws because of their inherent morals and concious.
>
>I think the recent political climate and media coverage of the far right-wing makes it appear to the rest of the world that the U.S. is comprised 90% of bible thumping extremists. Not surprisingly, there is a large percentage here that believe the same of Muslims due simply to the media. It is a shame when 1% reflects so poorly on any country, people, or religion.

Film and TV progs would suggest that a great deal of Americans go to church (even the Simpsons :-), whereas in the UK it's very rare (well, maybe the Catholics do). Many C of E churches are becoming run down, even closed due to lack of income from congregations. Some are sold and get done up as dwellings. Particularly in rural areas you now get a "circuit vicar", serving several villages. Right in the middle of my city, Brighton, a large methodist temple, ironically, has become a pub (the Font & Firkin)