Now that we've left the foodstuffs behind, we find our list of not-previously-BS'ed-about subjects in the midst of the letter "P" and just about ready to discuss...

PRESBYTERIANISM

The difference between Presbyterianism and other Protestant Christian denominations is more organizational than theological. On one extreme, there are denominations such as the Episcopal (Anglican) Church whose organizational hierarchy is highly structured with a definite, almost military, chain of command. On the other extreme, Congregational churches are independent bodies in which all decision-making is performed on the single-church level. Presbyterianism sits between the two extremes by vesting governing power in an elected assembly or "presbytery" which exercises control over, yet is answerable to, individual churches. Sort of like the religious equivalent of representative democracy.

From a theological standpoint, there is wide divergence among Presbyterian congregations. Some are very liberal and some are downright Calvinistic.