I don't know why anyone was surprised by this--in the rhetoric of religious revivals, the "Atheists" are always the antithetical "Them" --the negation of everything that "Christians" believe, --even Communism was "Godless Communism"--and, especially in recent years, we've been overrun with Bible thumpers--many of whom have found that is a lot easier to point accusing fingers than to save wayward souls.

A lot of Americans go to church, but it is for social reasons, and should not be confused for acceptance of any system of beliefs. Even avid churchgoers get nervous if you talk about God too much.