You nailed it, common memory among men is the primary force in our world..... United we stand, divided we fall is a prophecy.
I’ve pondered various belief systems through the ages, and our nation has become untethered from our past cohesive Christian faith.
OTOH, one doesn't have to be a Christian, to be a good American and/or have a shared culture and American experience.
There was a time, not really all THAT long ago, when patriotism and FACTUAL American history were taught in ALL schools.
Also, we have NEVER, prior to Obama, had a president who went out of his way to verbally tear down this nation AND set one group against another almost daily.
It isn't just wee barry; no, the shared culture and experience, of this nation, has been on the down turn for about two generations.