maddyone. I imagine you do not see defining "who's in charge" as politics. Henry was determined to do just that because the pope would not allow him to do the thing he wanted to do. The pope was not just being a principled man of God (as he saw it) but was concerned that Catherine of Aragon's nephew, who held the title Holy Roman Emperor, would be more of a threat than he already felt him to be. These people, as I said were actively using the Church for political manipulation for their own, personal ends - just as those in government now are manipulating situations for their own political gain.
You then persuade people that this is based on faith, on a different truth to the one people have always lived by, and most importantly that you will give people more control over their lives. Just as the Protestants told people they could have a more direct relationship with God the politicians now tell us we can have more direct input into politics.
It has always been about politics and how those in control can use societal structure to ensure people will do what they want and, for at least a short period of time, feel good about it.