But deep inside, Americans are exploring a new frontier. In March, The New York Times Magazine conducted a poll that asked Americans not about their party affiliations but about their beliefs, fears, anxieties, fantasies and opinions. The results of the poll demonstrate the degree to which Americans find themselves falling back on their own resources when it comes to thinking about the conditions for a good and meaningful life. No one should ever underestimate Americans' faith in faith. That said, Americans are not theological.
Doctrinal disputes leave most people cold.
Americans want a capacious God who smiles on everyone, not a jealous God protective of one particular version of his teachings. The Puritans believed in an inherent human depravity that could be countered only by God's willingness to extend, even arbitrarily, his grace. Such Calvinistic teachings have no place in the American mind today. Americans are simply too nice to see Satan everywhere around them. The niceness of Americans can drive thoughtful people to distraction.