I am inclined to believe a full court press hit our schools and churches simultaneously, making milquetoast out of the meat and potatoes of both, as socialist/Marxist thought became pervasive. Of course Christians recognise the Enemy stirs against believers under many names.
Communist Goals (1963)
http://www.uhuh.com/nwo/communism/comgoals.htm
Its a goal to target all of society. Schools, Churches, Art Science, business, media....
I agree with your position and say it began in the 19th Century. Those who say it was a 20th Century phenomenon overlook the roots.
You are spot on. And it was a successful full-court press.
While conservatives were winning the short-term battles and American enjoyed a more traditional, conservative culture up to the 1960s, the Left and the Communists focused their strategy on a long-term, systems basis. They didn’t focus solely on politics or elections, a mistake I think some have made on our side.
We are beyond the point where conservative political victories alone (if even possible) will alter the course we’re on. We must wage a full assault on virtually every aspect that encompasses our culture. We have become the counter-culture of the modern era.