] In JA's novels there is such a great emphasis on worthy character as revealed through good behavior, and almost no mention of religion as such, in the early novels at least.

] Yes! Yes! This is exactly what you would expect of Latitudinarians- not doctrine but example, not religiosity but morality. George Austen would have considered morality and religion to be virtually synonymous- as in "morality is next to godliness!" ;-) And yes, his daughter stuck with his Latidudinarian views, it seems.

] Yes, living in harmony with one's neighbours and putting others before oneself is a fundemental of this thinking. To act morally is more important than talking about religious subjects.

I have often wondered why JA didn't delve into religion much in her novels, although daughter of a clergyman. Especially in contrast to say, Charlotte Bronte in Jane Eyre, where you feel in the novel some religious fervor in the character. Latitudinism seems to explain this to a great degree, esp. the explanation given by Jack (highlighted by Katherine and Caroline.)

But I guess a question further... when did Latitudinism decline in England, or was it always marginal or did it continue on into Victorian era?