[NewJerseyJoe]

Henry VIII was someone who publicly showed that God's Will can be disposed with whenever it is "inconvenient," thus setting an example for future licentiousness, sin, and crime. Was he the first to do this? No. But he was probably the first head of state to do so, and to enforce his heresy by rule of "law."

Also one of history's great murderers.

Not someone to look up to by any stretch.

[stripes1776]

Henry VIII was someone who publicly showed that God's Will can be disposed with whenever it is "inconvenient," thus setting an example for future licentiousness, sin, and crime. Was he the first to do this? No. But he was probably the first head of state to do so, and to enforce his heresy by rule of "law."

Bishop Sheen said it very well in one of his TV programs back in the 50s. A church that believes in free will always be a church that contains good and evil. The church has always had hierarchs practicing licentiousness and sin. It would be naive to think otherwise.

I am not convinced that England could only protect herself with a powerful navy or establish an empire as a Protestant country. Spain still had a powerful navy after the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and she maintained a vast empire for centuries.

I don't think Henry VIII is a man to emulate. But then neither is Mussolini, even though a lot of Catholics admired him when he first came to power in Italy.

[meandog]

Henry VIII was someone who publicly showed that God's Will can be disposed with whenever it is "inconvenient," thus setting an example for future licentiousness, sin, and crime. Was he the first to do this? No. But he was probably the first head of state to do so, and to enforce his heresy by rule of "law."

What the hay? Kennedy got an annulment, so did Kerry...that's all that Henry Tutor was asking! Clement VII (first cousin to (gay Leo X) is one of worst popes in history. He should have ex-communicated Charles V (the real power behind denial of Henry's request) as he allowed a sack of Rome which made the Vandal raids 1,000 years earlier look like a tea party.

[RoadTest]

“Henry VIII was someone who publicly showed that the Pope’s Will can be disposed with whenever it is “oppressive,”

[RoadTest]

“Also one of history’s great murderers.”

Not compared to some Popes.

[elpadre]

“..showed that God’s Will can be disposed with whenever it is “inconvenient..”

really???

[AFreeBird]

Not someone to look up to by any stretch.

Perhaps not. But that was not the point. It's not like he said I'll take over the church and change the world. Just one of those unintended/unforeseen consequences. And lets face it, the church of old was a bit oppressive, especially in the sciences.

Hitler changed the world in profound ways still felt today. We can acknowledge that without looking up to him.