[TheRealThing]

Negative...the comparison is between the spirit of the two, not a suggestion that America is a second Israel. The United States was not conceived of as a theocracy. In fact, Roger Williams' deep conviction in the area of freedom of conscience is a significant influence upon our Constitution.

Nope, you're not getting away with it this time old friend. And your conflating what was said. You drew a common distinction between the religious elite of Jesus' day with Bible Belters. Then you tried to haze me with the second Israel stuff, which, who knows what that really means? Notwithstanding, the two are mutually exclusive groups. The religiously elite of Jerusalem rejected Jesus, right? While Bible Belters have bowed before Him in repentance and have called Him Lord. Hardly fodder to open yet another debate front concerning something about a second Israel.