The United States is the richest country in the world, but by far it is more religious than Europe. That said, I kind of agree with you.
Relgion is a fantastic crutch for those who need one, and wonderful supplement for those who don't need one (as well as a complete burden on the the rest of us). I believe that the poorer you are the more you need some kind of crutch, so that's where I think the trend comes from. People like me who need a crutch but are non-religious find something else. Like poker and vodka.