Catholicism? Catholicism came later. It was called Christianity early on and what the Apostles taught was the starting out default. Catholicism is a huge big religion largely based in philosophy; but, to say it is the original is factually incorrect. You might say it is old; but and if truth and error be of differing ages, is the truth less truth for being young? Or for those that think themselves enlightened for rebelling against obvious wrong, is the outcome of retaining some error while denouncing other a better or worse position?
God must be so perfect and even handed that he should have
retained from us such a truth for 1300 years that mankind must submit itself to a particular bishop or risk his salvation. But, then this is where the philosophies of men intrude upon what Christ said. Which is true, that which God uttered through his son, or that which men utter on their own behalf in God's stead. Either salvation is believing and confessing or it is believing and confessing and bowing to the Bishop of Rome. Of course I've chosen but one thing. But show us where Christ confirms this or withdraw and consider ho philosophy supplanted that which Jesus gave us in your mind. It hasn't supplanted it in mine and the two things are irreconcileable. Many philosophers claim the superior philosophy. Christ didn't come with philosophy - he came with God's message. If your message don't match His, where is your claim? And of what worth. That charge I lay at the feet of all who teach philosophy and preach it to be christian.
bowing to the Bishop of Rome. Still that big hang-up, eh? Your "history" is naught but error, and has been refuted ad nauseaum on the neverending story thread, among other places.
As you perfectly well know, but refuse to acknowledge, Christ gave the Keys of the Kingdom to the Apostle Peter, as head of the Apostles. As you well know, from the Acts of the Apostles, and several of St. Paul's letters, the Apolstles appointed successors, whose successors many generations removed we know as the Priests and Bishops of what are today referred to as the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
The relative youth of your errors does not make them any less errors. Martin Luther's spirit of rebellion, to which you appear in some manner to subscribe, has nothing to do with Christ in particular, God in general, or anything remotely Holy. It has more to do with the Prince of this World, and I strongly suggest you abandon it for the Gospel.
Your choice. Choose wisely