What do you mean, mistaken ideas and speculation? I was a Protestant until 17 months ago. I was brought up Presbyterian and was then Episcopalian. I know EXACTLY what Protestants believe. Would you like to refute what I said point by point? You won’t, because you can’t.
Respectfully, I'd have to say that you know EXACTLY what Presbyterians and Episcopalians believe... or at least what you were taught in those denominations.
I don't want to refute what you say point by point, as it is an effort in futility. Your opinion is formed, and you don't appear to be willing to change it. Now one might say the same goes for me, but there is one major difference. I am willing - no, obliged - to adapt my thinking based upon the compelling Truth of Scripture. If you can make a solid Scriptural case for a position, I'm open for discussion and change.
Perhaps. But there is also, often, poverty, tyranny and political corruption. For all three, think the Catholic countries of South America, Mexico Central America. For two out of three, think Philippines. The politically incorrect truth is that free, stable, representative political institutions arose in and out of Protestant countries. My protestant (Hugenot) ancestors fled Louis XIV's Catholic France because he was a dictator. The America settlers fought the French in the French and Indian Wars for the same reason - to defend themselves against Catholic authoritarianism. Today, immigrants are flooding north out of Mexico and South America because their catholic cultures may have offered plenty of "good red wine," but little in the way of political stability or safety or prosperity.