Religion, false patriotism, the last refuge of a scoundrel.
Loosely, from Samuel Johnson.
“.. the last refuge of a scoundrel”.
I agree. With respect to religion, I have noticed those who are truly faithful.. aren’t pointing out “LOOK at me.. I’m faithful and religious. I really, really am!” People who have faith just have faith. It becomes a part of them sort of like brown eyes or blonde hair. It just is... IMHO, this is a poor attempt to “fool” truly conservative people into thinking he has a strong religious faith.