[Mr Ramsbotham]

As far as I’m concerned, the best time in the history of the world was when Catholics were regularly fed to the lions.

I don't think there ever was such a time. In the early days they were simply Christians; only later, post-Constantine, was the heirarchy established and the dogma laid down.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Ignatius, certified lion-chow, was Bishop of Antioch after Simon Peter ("Cephas") (d. circa AD 67) and Evodius (who also died around AD 67). Eusebius records that Ignatius succeeded Evodius. Theodoret (Dial. Immutab., I, iv, 33a) reported that Peter himself appointed Ignatius to the see of Antioch.

Hence "hierarchy."

Hence "Orthodox."

Hence "Catholic and Apostolic."

Constantine, a couple centuries later, was neither a bishop nor Orthodox nor Catholic. He was an Arian.

*snort*

(Sips hot chocolate carefully. Snorts again.)

[lonevoice]

only later, post-Constantine, was the heirarchy established and the dogma laid down.

Lay down with dogma, wake up with fleas. Was that dogma on a lease?

[RegulatorCountry]

the dogma laid down.

If you can't run with the big dogma ... wait, uh, lay down with dogma, get up with ... oh, whatever.