Why is Atheism more controversial in America than Europe?

[abaris]

I suspect the main points have been covered, give or take Europe's history of religious wars which must contribute to the disillusionment somewhat.

The two world wars and the ensuing replacement or at the very least questioning of the ruling classes played a much bigger role. Europe was much like the USA after WWII and all through the 50ies and early 60ies, but the so called '68 movement started to question every kind of authority, religion included.

Also, religion was pretty much contained by many European countries having state religions. Paradox as it may seem, the non establishment clause of the American constitution may have contributed to the country being that religious, since every wayward preacher could sell his very own brand of snake oil.

And that brings me back to questioning authority. In the USA religion never was officially part of authority, so it could spread much easier than it could in Europe, where religious leaders were seen as a major part of an authority to be questioned.