I have not read the whole of the thread but would make the point that for many, even though they maybe vaguely (or more) theist, the best hymns are those sung elsewhere by someone else. It is not a matter of intolerability of the relevant religion (although so many orgnaised religions are to be blamed for so much despite the best qualitites that individual subscribers to them may have some of the time) as the English dislike for the wearing of the heart on the sleeve...

All that sincerity and puppy-like devotion is a bit embarrassing, don't you know?