Since the other thread got locked, I'd like to continue the discussion of some of the ideas on that thread over here.
I was trying to argue that religion used to have a strong hold on culture but the modern world has pushed religion aside and that the religion we know today, the religion of individual choice is an impotent religion.
It seems to me that the author of this piece is in some ways supporting my point. She's arguing that religion is an outgrowth of a social institution.
I think the dominant institution of modern society (the capitalist corporation) is almost completely irreligious. Combine the corporation with science and the university with a democratic politics based on a social contract and religion is almost certainly pushed to the periphery.
None of the above institutions embody the interests of traditional society. There is no moral focus on producing a good person, there is no inherent respect for traditional authority, there is no quest for the transcendent, and decisions are made on the basis of personal or class interests.
Perhaps this is why family has to be turned to as the sole remaining source of religion. Once production, knowledge, politics and law become pragmatic there simply isn't enough cultural space left for religion to gain a foothold.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13