There's a lot more spirit and genuine love for God than there is in ethnic Orthodoxy, except, American Christianity has no proper guidance or channel for that spirit and energy at all. Most of it is wasted, as I think the majority of American Christian adults don't spiritually mature beyond the point of a 14-16 year old Youth Group kid. They are children, simply put. And not in a good way. American Christianity is just one giant Evangelical Youth Group with adults who will never mature and reach their full godly potential. Even American Roman Catholicism isn't much different, with guitars during worship and RCs complaining when Mass goes over an hour.
Ultimately I see a huge source of great potential converts who would really benefit Orthodoxy. But alas, due to our own ethnic tensions, selfishness, and division, they will go to waste. It's a shame that apart from Alaska, when Orthodoxy came here we didn't come as a united front with the intention of evangelizing the continent. But we came here divided, broken, and somewhat selfish in that we only wanted to escape our problems at home an not evangelize the world around us.
I respect your opinion, and I agree with your assessment 80% of the time.
The other 10% is middle of the road.
The other 10% I'd completely disagree.
Christianity in America has many "flavors". Most are kind of hollow and shallow. These figures also span around EO Christianity, RC Christianity, Protestant and others in Christianity.
I do credit the EO and some RC for having depth to their liturgical practice, but they'd be in absolute serious error and delusion if they believe they have the market curbed on this. It deals in commonality often and what people are use to. There are incredibly deep and rich practice of faith in several other churches.
As far as charity of Christian churches and evangelism here in America, It's unfortunate, but protestant type of faiths often shine well over EO and RC. I can say this with confidence having decades of time within the EO church and also witnessing Anabaptist charity.
But overall, yes James, most churches are are kindergarten. But if they bring people to Christ... I can't complain.