Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - US, Bush, Christianity

Well, Simon, there's a lot packed into your post.

First clarification, a LOT depends on what you mean by "Christian." Do we mean that as a social, demographic classification or as a descriptor for a true believer in and follower of Jesus Christ?

Second main issue, Europe and the USA have diverged significantly in terms of their socio-cultural perspectives. Europe is more communal and generally more liberal. The USA is more individualistic and more conservative. This is an oversimplification, I know, but it's generally correct.

Britain is literally a cross between mainland European culture/values and those of the USA. The United States is a byproduct of British expansionism and semi-capitalism. (Which later turned to mercantilism and helped trigger the American Revolution). The USA was founded on British common law, British economic values of commercialism and expansionism, and Anglicanism (which became very evangelical and revivalist in America).

As I type this, I'm realizing more and more that this is a DEEP and COMPLEX issue.

Bottom line....the United States, Britain (and its Commonwealth, incl Canada), and Mainland Europe all represent different cultural and social perspectives in western civilization. And THIS FACT influences their respective understandings of Christianity.

A great book on this is America's God by Mark Noll. He digs deep into demographics research in the 1700s and 1800s to show the religous history of the United States.