The young John Peel is in Texas in the early 60's, and I quote from his autobiography "Margrave of the Marshes"


Although vast numbers of Americans have since swallowed the notion that 'Blessed are they that have, for unto them more shall be given' and a ferociously aggressive religiosity to go with it, there was a more generous, primitive religious fervour in the States when I arrived there that was faintly attractive.


I first became aware of this when I said to colleagues in the office during some discussion or other along the lines of,

'Oh, come on. You'll be telling me next that you believe in Adam and Eve!'

The looks of not unfriendly incomprehension focussed on me persuaded me that in future I should add religion, as well as politics and race, to my list of topics deemed not suitable for even casual discussion in the United States.