Lynda, your post makes so many excellent points. As your posts always do.

I think that until the 1960's, we British, and the West in general, had achieved an acceptable blend of Science and Religion.

The Christian Religion had evolved, over the centuries, to accomodate Science, even if reluctantly. The result was a civilised compromise.  Which led to a progressive and tolerant society. 

But since then, our society has been disrupted by a barbarous desert superstition. Which causes nothing but trouble to us.

Why has this happened?  I know why. Probably most of us do.  But none dare say!