>>Another reason why there are still so many people in the churches is the lack of streets and squares for pedestrians. Anywhere in Europe, you walk to this or that and you meet people. In the States, there's nothing in walkable distance (except in NY city) from your home, so your walk is from the door to the car. You don't meet people anywhere. So you go to church just to see other people. And while you're at it, listen to the priestperson.
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>Ah. This is an interesting thought. People go to church not primarily for its primary utility, but to fulfill a social need.
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>So, basically if I started a church that included a bar and a fitness center, I'd probably be filling them pews.

The Fitness Bar Church (or a non-church of any other denomination) must be an idea that's so good it's probably been invented several times so far.

I know there are some places around the area (found them on the web, not on wheels) where the non-religious people meet at church time. May be interesting to visit.