Debating American Exceptionalism | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Secularization came about for a few reasons - none of which having to do with marrying later. My father married at 24 but had me (his first) at 36. Likewise, his father had all of his children late in light, as did my mother's father, who had my mother in a second marriage - although lived long enough for me to be able to get to know him a bit - although I wish I could have had another 10 years so we could have talked politics and outflanked my father.
Three things have led to secularization. The most obvious one is television. In the 50s and much of the 60s, Sunday Morning was a TV wasteland. Second, the strictness of the 50s led many to simply rebel - with Vatican II and the demystification of the Mass giving them permission. Humanae Vitae sealed the deal. Finally, the children of those of 40's and 50's Catholicism simply let their children make up their own minds. While some still force their kids to go to Church, those who feel forced simply stop going when in college (Catholic college or not). There are some who come back, some who become Evangelicals when reached if they are seeking certainty (or a faith to match their libertarian politics) and some who be Episcopalians or Presbyterians in they are looking for a "Real Pressence" Church (not sect, Church - the hierarchy is wrong on this point). The Episcopal Church is especially popular with the socially liberal (who may still be wealthy) - given its acceptance of women and gays in the priesthood (not ministry, priesthood).
As for the term American Exceptionalism, that is usually about how our commitment to both liberty and equality exists side by side, unlike many other nations - especially in regard to seeing rights coming from God rather than being granted by the government. I am not sure this is true for modern social democracies - although I am quite sure the right wingers would say that such schemes are a violation of liberty.
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