Why the Churches Can't Keep the Pews Full

Ever since Vatican II, church attendance has been visibly decreasing. Fewer men and women are becoming ordained, Christian schools are closing or merging, and less and less people come to regular service. While participation in these organizations has been fading in modern countries like the US, 3rd world countries have been filled with religious zeal. As these occurrences are examined, Marx's ideas on the sedative characteristics of religion stick out: Religion gives hope to the man without a chance. In America and other countries with high standards of living, many people live comfortably with hope. However, loyal attendees of local services show us that there's more to Church than escaping 'fire and brimstone'.
During the Middle ages when most people were serfs on a fief, they had little to look forward to in life, except the afterlife. Today, 3rd world countries are hotbeds of the Christian faith. It's easy to see that throughout the ages, people experiencing a low standard of living have flocked to the Church for hope. Karl Marx called religion the "opium of the masses,"* indicating how hope of the afterlife allows one to accept the unfairness of life. It's obvious that whenever humanity has needed hope, humanity has clinged to the church to escape their pains in life. In addition, people have often looked to God when we need help. For instance, whenever we need something - whether it be strength, patience, or a steady job - do not we not immediately look to God?
So in a society where man consistently needs less and lives in a much more optimistic world, is religion practical? Your neighbors who attend mass regularly say yes. While the traditional tangible thoughts of hell and bad times once played a central role in people's faith, nowadays people attend for spiritual, not physical, enrichment. People need to remember that Church is not just a way to escape hell, but to better their lives.
The Church teaches that morality is necessary for salvation. I know that morality is necessary for true happiness.
* BrainyQuote.com; 2007 BrainyMedia.com; http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/k/karl_marx.html