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Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden
It is a very interesting topic. I agree with you generally, but might suggest in regards to the topic of church participation that going to church is not heavily emphasized in the protestant culture. The notion that it is a personal expression of faith, or relationship with God/the universe/ humanity, and not a communal one dovetails nicely with the agnostic, atheist view towards congregational faith.
Not to mention similarities in viewing the relationship between the divine and the material world. Protestant culture typically views there to be a dichotomy between the two, a kingdom of man and kingdom of God so to speak. This is typically the way that atheists view/ criticize religion. However, other faiths often emphases Immanence the view that that the divine encompasses or is manifested in the material world. In essence it is the awareness that religion permeates all aspects of life including law whether we would like it to or not.
I think for the purposes of this argument it is important to understand that that atheism is not neutral, and secularism is not devoid of religious influence, rather it is heavily influenced by Protestantism.
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I think a portion of that has to do with protestants being the majority in many countries where they reside. For example, if you go back to the example of Judaism, attendance at temple, among non-orthodox Jews, is almost non-existent, but it's much higher outside of Israel.
I do agree that protestants are less ritual based, which probably accounts for many going to church less. You could even look at Catholicism as a more orthodox form of Christianity than Protestantism. To add to your philosophical points, Catholicism also requires communion with God via a priest. This alone might be a form of ritual that ensures their adherents keep coming back.