Mike Gearson on "American Grace," a new book about religion in America.

It's authors find that the "Religious Right" turned off many young Americans to religion, which is a shame because:

"religious Americans are nicer, happier and better citizens." They are more generous with their time and money, not only in giving to religious causes, but to secular ones. They join more voluntary associations, attend more public meetings, even let people cut in line in front of them more readily. Religious Americans are three to four times more socially engaged than the unaffiliated. Ned Flanders is a better neighbor.

Sounds right. Makes sense. Read the whole thing.