It is much less the "American", as it is the Christian, but "they" will not define it that way because 1) many within government are complicit in the process, and 2) to do so would leave anyone else with their tender little feelings hurt.

And for the record; Atheists and those who are members of other religions are an ever-closing second place.

The dog doesn't hate the squirrel because he's a squirrel;

The dog hates the squirrel because he's not a dog.