Very interesting. I had not heard of this correlation between state support and church decline. It is slightly counterintuitive, but does make sense on further thought.

Could somebody please, please rush this information to the Republican Party culture war headquarters? Since this may be something they really need to be made aware of. Those with sincere beliefs who bemoan loss of "values" in our society, our culture, our schools might want to be advised they are sewing the seeds of their own demise.

For my part, since I am not a Christian, I have no skin in the game...other than the fact I am one of those people becoming increasingly furious at Christian Law being forced upon me via legislatures. I used to have great respect for Christianity, as the teachings of Jesus are certainly worthy of respect, but the militant political evangelicals have made it harder and harder for me to maintain that equanimity.