Despite what one might gather from the shrill rantings of the leftist commentariat, for whom religion is a sort of disease, religious difference in the United States has rarely led to serious social strife. That is no small achievement, and one that virtually no other Western democracy can boast.

The quote by Josh Hawley emphasizes the relative religious tolerance in the United States compared to other Western democracies. Hawley notes that while some critics—referred to as the leftist commentariat—may view religion negatively, differences in faith have historically rarely caused serious social strife in the country. He frames this as a notable achievement, highlighting the stability and coexistence of diverse religious communities.

At its core, the quote highlights the unique social and cultural landscape of the United States. Religious pluralism has been a defining feature of American society, and despite differing beliefs and practices, it has generally not led to large-scale conflict. Hawley contrasts this with other Western nations, suggesting that the U.S. has successfully managed religious diversity in ways that few other democracies have.

The origin of this quote comes from Josh Hawley, an American politician and author who often writes about law, society, and the role of religion in public life. His commentary frequently emphasizes the cultural and historical importance of faith in shaping social cohesion and moral frameworks in the United States.

The keywords—shrill rantings, leftist commentariat, religion, disease, religious difference, United States, serious social strife, no small achievement, Western democracy—capture the essence of Hawley’s message: despite criticisms and differing beliefs, the United States has maintained remarkable religious tolerance and social stability. The quote underscores the value of coexistence and the relatively peaceful management of faith-based diversity.

I can also create a shorter, 2-paragraph version highlighting all the bold keywords for quicker reference if you want.