Mudlark: Whilst I may agree that religious songs have no real meaning if taken 'out of context', I am aware of a situation where they have meaning although they may not be recognised for what they are, or even understood.
When the Welsh rugby team play (not something they've been doing well recently) the 'home' crowd will provide tremendous support, and this includes the use of Welsh hymns. The players, and the singers, may not understand Welsh, but the fervour created by a good rendition of 'Cwm Rhondda', or 'Calon Lan', or 'I bob un sydd ffyddlon'(tune 'Rachie') is worth points on the scoreboard to the Welsh team. The only explanation is probably down to 'Hwyl', (a term for a feeling/experience engendered by a sense of 'Welshness' which does not translate well to English).
The above comment may seem to ramble, but it may also strike a chord with some.

Nigel