more like today than I thought.
You all are right with your analysis on the religious aspect. I also think it has to do with Patriotism. The leftist knew back then they couldn't do the whole"America is a stupid,backward,ignorant, nations" thing, at least out in public because people still had pride in their country, they wanted to be Americans.
Sadly today many people think being an American is a bad thing.
Its sickening isn't it? There are even increasing numbers of folks who call themselves "post-Americans." Even if they get past such ridiculousness (IE by living in a foreign country or in an immigrant-heavy community, and realizing how "American" they are) they nevertheless see patriotism as retrograde or a "farce." Sad to say the % of Americans who "love their country" seems to be declining with every generation.