I am not a church-goer anymore but it seems that one would want to be “spiritual” in church. That requires a focused mind.

do you realize how many people go to church because they're EXPECTED to go to church

He thinks it is an enhancement to the sermon. He is a member of a very conservative Lutheran church here. Evidently, this church has figured out a way to involve the faithful religiously in the service. And so, if folks are scrolling away during a service one might just want to "assume" they are following the holy words of the Bible.

I guess it keeps everybody happy...

in decades, but given how many people are looking at their phones constantly even while driving, I'm sure significant numbers of church-goers are looking at their phones during services.

And I imagine many others do as well. How would anyone know the difference between following along and just scrolling the phone?

I just wondered if the minister/priest/rabbi asked congregants to put their phone away for the duration of the service. It seems rude to scroll while the service is underway. Otherwise, why go to church at all?

Gee. Church sounds fun!

But outside? Sure, but only on weekdays.