While I hate to agree with a NY Times writer about anything, Filkins is correct. It is important to note that he is talking big picture - the trend of the entire country. Where Gentile's narrative differs is to point out that HIS BATTALION was not doing any such congregation. Filkins is correct and Gentile is correct.

The real confusion in this issue stems from the assumption that the narratives of Filkins and Gentile are mutually exclusive.