F6 - Thruout my life, I vigorously promoted the very stance you elucidate so well because to do so is the American Way to proceed/prevail against ignorance and superstition. Until recently that is, when I finally realised their true aim is actually a most ancient one, shared by despots seemingly forever...world domination.
They're not interested in OUR rights...their ONLY interest is universal unanimity of thought and action as dictated and enforced by THEM.
But religion breeds conformity. Those who feel they MUST belong to a group are not going to risk exclusion from the group in defense of Constitutional Rights.
The corporate powers want to preserve religion in this country because it creates a power base of followers for them too. Remember, the cities in this country are corporations too, it's not just the businesses.
I am a Spiritual Christian, but I am not a religious Christian. My beliefs would get me kicked out of most Christian churches.