>>63881015
I've read through the entire Bible, though I admit part of my push to do so is that I was (and still am) tired of those who argue against Christianity, and I felt the need to become more learned so I could defend the faith properly, though becoming a better Christian was also part of it. Mine contains a priests annotations.
But in general I agree. Many here are completely spiritually illiterate, to the point that they often do not understand what the Holy Trinity is, and from some I have heard them deny the divinity of Christ and say he is only their prophet.
>>63881115
Odd, I would think they'd be at least somewhat documented.
>I firmly believe there have always been people who believe like I do since the day's of the Crucifixion
Perhaps on the very fringes, but the Apostles quickly began to organize Christianity, to the point that the New Testament contains some very early instructions on the ideal character of a bishop. While they were alive, the authority was held in the Apostles in a fairly de facto sense, as everyone looked up to their guidance. It was as they were killed themselves that Peter transferred the special authority given him to his own apostle, Linus, who according to our sacred tradition was the second Pope after Peter. The Orthodoxy will argue against this, and likely point to the shared authority among the Apostles as the model of government.
The important thing is that salvation is given by God's grace, nothing inherent to faith or works can save if God does not will it. It is a gift, given freely because he loves us. Remember this, if nothing else