Europeans may have some problems grasping the ins and outs of American politics at the best of times, but the transatlantic gap never gets bigger than when candidates in the United States start talking about God.
Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean has started awkwardly discussing religion on the stump, trying to shake off a label many European politicians would covet -- the most secular candidate in the race.
The eight other Democrats jostling for a chance to challenge the openly religious President Bush have also spoken up about their faith, Bible reading or church attendance to close their perceived "God gap" with the Republicans.
European voters accustomed to campaigns focused on budget deficits, pension problems or immigration would be surprised to hear a political candidate talking about praying, as Wesley Clark has done, or being "God-fearing" as John Kerry has said.
"If a politician were to speak of his faith on the campaign trail as American politicians do," said Austrian analyst Peter Hajek, "the population would react by asking 'Why is he or she telling us that?"'
"It would come across as odd if politicians spoke too much about their religious beliefs. There would be an embarrassing shuffle in one's seat," said James Ker-Lindsay at the Civilitas Research center on southeastern Europe.
"Europeans see it as a badge of honor that they have moved beyond religion, as a victory of science and rational thinking," he said. "This is something Americans find dreadful about Europe, that it is a godless society."
RELIGION RETURNS THROUGH BACK DOOR
That is not to say faith is not an issue in Europe, which saw such bloody religious wars in the past that most prefer to keep it out of the political arena. Talking about one's beliefs in public often backfires on politicians who do it.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been lampooned in the press for being a committed Christian.
"People in this country are rather averse to individuals who seem holier-than-thou," religious affairs commentator Clifford Longley said.
Religion issues exist, as the debate over Muslim veils in public schools shows, but are often treated differently.
"Growing insecurity in the wake of the September 11 attacks is putting religion on the agenda through the back door," said Gero Neugebauer of Berlin's Free University.
While a Muslim veil may be accepted in the name of religious freedom in the United States or Britain, many in continental Europe see it as a challenge to the secular state.
A large German Catholic lay group this week branded the veil "a political sign against integration into Western culture."
Germany's secular emphasis is not total. Several leaders have spoken up against equating Islam with Christianity after President Johannes Rau, a practicing Protestant, said a ban on Muslim veils would mean Christian symbols would also have to go.
France takes secular logic the furthest. To ensure equal treatment as it struggles against Islamic radicalism among its Muslim minority, it plans to ban all signs of faith including Jewish skullcaps and large crosses from public schools.
"In France, this issue is considered one of separation of church and state," said pollster Stephane Rozes. "We don't think of satisfying lobby groups on an issue like this."
Even in Poland, home of Pope John Paul, the huge political role the Catholic Church played under communism is fading fast.
"The era when religion and Christian values played an influential role in political campaigns and politics has passed," said sociologist Jacek Kucharczyk. "Politicians no longer use religious slogans to win votes."