That's a gross oversimplification and you know it. Catholic Italy was where the Renaissance started, Iberia produced some beautiful pieces of literary work in the 16th century, France moved to absolutism and was known as one of the most influential and powerful countries in Europe under Louis XIV, and northern countries could be just as bigoted as southern ones: Descartes eventually had to leave the Netherlands after being accused of "doubting God."
Moreso even I'd say.
Puritans are not known for being the life of the party.