It might be good to remember that the "good old days" where the social norm meant attending church regularly also embraced the good old-fashioned fear factor, where if you didn't show up on Sundays, you were bound for hell for sure.  I don't question the fact that ours was a much more churchgoing culture (it is, after all, when I grew up), but as far as living Christian principles and ideals, not so much -- unless institutionalized and accepted racism, sexism, homophobia, etc., don't really matter.  

It seems to me our society changed drastically in the 1960's, including the effects of Vat II.  That is only 50 years ago, which may not be enough time to accurately assess, or make predictions about, the long-term, more permanent influences.  We've seen the reductions...but do we really know what more positive changes may result?  

Thanks, Mr. Briggs, for this column...nice to have the real you back after last week!