Religion is a far more decentralized, organic, community-based institution (at least in America). In contrast the American government is a distant faceless bure

Religion is a far more decentralized, organic, community-based institution (at least in America). In contrast the American government is a distant faceless bureaucracy, and even if a small subset of its employees are elected that doesn't make Americans feel better about it telling them what to do. But Americans are perfectly happy teaming up with their neighbors to help the elderly in the community once a week with their church groups. Religion as it is practiced is not the bogeyman of liberals' dreams.