I'm no expert on anthropology and world governments but I've heard it said by those who are that the US is the most prudish and religious-oriented of all "western" countries. There has to be a reason for this.
And I'm not sure what you mean by "creed" but I certainly think that atheists can be caring moral people who do what they can to help their fellow man. One does not have to believe in heaven and hell to want to be an honest and compassionate person.