Doctrinal controversies are far from uncommon in America. Of course, the ecumenical movement is influential here, with the Evangelical and Catholic attempts to form some kind of statement that can get mutual approval, the broad-based evangelistic campaigns of Luis Palau and the like, and with other, more liberal, ecumenical movements. But, there is still much in the way of doctrinal disagreements and arguments in churches, between churches, in denominations.
One of the most important ongoing battles in this regard is in the Southern Baptist Convention. The SBC is the largest Protestant denomination in the world, has extraordinarily rich reserves of money and talent, and is very influential throughout the world by way of its vigorous and commendable support of missionaries. Being so large makes it vulnerable to mega-politics.
Such doctrinal distinctions play out beyond the confines of the cloister of the church. It is clear from recent surveys of the voting habits of the American people at the last election that a vast majority of those who would call themselves 'evangelical Christians' voted for Bush. He was seen as being more trustworthy, having greater consistency of character, and taking appropriately morally stringent stances on issues like abortion.
