[wmfights]

The unmerger of state and religion is a relatively recent phenomenon. It post dates the Reformation also - see Westminster Confession, Calvin's Geneva, etc.

I agree.

I think the other thing that most people don't realize is how much the Reformers brought with them from Rome. If Rome had been capable of reform at Trent they might not have left.

[Cronos]

You are quite wrong — completely forgetting the socio-political historical reasons. The little German princelings were anti-Hapsburg Empire and took the opportunity to get their own local churches under their thumb. Ditto for Scandanavian kings. And the Swiss always wanted out of the Germanic Empire. The outbreaking of heresies in 1500s also helped the Ottoman Empire by diverting attention away from the wars in the Balkans.