[exmarine]

I think you will find that there is very little theological difference between Catholics and Anglicans/Episcopalians (none at all really), who were by far the greater part of the founding fathers. These are very different from the Calvinists/Lutherans and other sects inclined to Biblical literalism.

No difference between cathlics and episcopaleans? I beg to differ. For one thing, EP's were not loyal to the tyrant in Rome. The Anglican church was protestant - it broke away from the Pope during the reign of Henry VIII. Keep squirming. Again, calvinists SETTLED this land and the tradition was calvinist.

Biblical literalism? You mean, people who take the bible seriously? If a Christian does not believe all of the bible, then he has no authority outside of mankind, and no divine guide for his life. Tell me, how does Christ exercise His Lordship over someone who doesn't believe the bible? By listening to the Pope perhaps?

[buwaya]

Absolutely, other than on the question of church governance there is very little to distinguish the churches (Catholic and Episcopalian/Anglican).

They read the Bible the same way, albeit using different authorized versions, they both use reason to interpret the Bible as a whole, they are not literal readers thereof, they do not subscribe to doctrines like predestination et. al., even in the matter of ceremony they are very similar.

There are even regular conversions of clergy back and forth. There have been more than on semi-serious campaigns to re-integrate the churches, always failing on the issue of governance.

[Modernman]

The Anglican church was protestant - it broke away from the Pope during the reign of Henry VIII

The Anglican Church broke away at swordpoint because Henry wanted to get divorced. There was no greater principle in play in that situation.

For one thing, EP's were not loyal to the tyrant in Rome

That's what it comes down to, essentially: Anti-Catholic bigotry. So, assuming arguendo, that I agree with everything you've said so far about this being a Calvinist country- what's the point? No Protestant denomination is dominant in this nation now- if anything, Catholics are. What's your beef? Are you saying that only Calvinists/Protestants are true Christians? That only Calvinists/Protestants are allowed freedom of religion in this country? What's the point of all this? You do realize that your views constitute a fringe viewpoint in this country, right?

[buwaya]

As a minor matter, Calvinists settled SOME of this land.

Anglicans/Episcopalians settled a great deal more of it.

[Modernman]

Biblical literalism? You mean, people who take the bible seriously? If a Christian does not believe all of the bible, then he has no authority outside of mankind, and no divine guide for his life. Tell me, how does Christ exercise His Lordship over someone who doesn't believe the bible? By listening to the Pope perhaps

Biblical literalism= believing everything in the bible is literally true (i.e. God made the universe in seven days) which is, and will continue to be, a fringe view among even American Protestants.