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One thing I'm a little confused about though, or maybe just historically uneducated about, is the divergence from that lineage, if any, Catholicism took when it took on its Roman aspect.

That's where the schism with the orthodox comes in. At one time, the primary see was moved among five cities and Rome was one. They decided that as Rome was the See of Peter, Rome should be the primary See. There were other considerations, but this is the main one. "Roman" Catholicism only applies to the Latin Rite. There are 22 others, all of which follow the teachings of the Magisterium.

There is a book called "Triumph" by Crocker (I believe) which is a very good overview of the history.

Infallibility only applies to "Ex Cathedra" teaching. That means from the chair. And it only applies to matters of faith and morals. Since the canon was finalized, it's my understanding that's been invoked, like, once. I don't know that for sure though. It certainly isn't abused.

Is it a result of Christ's empowerment of Peter when he said 'whose sins you forgive will be forgiven, whose sins you hold bound will be held bound?'

This is one of many things that gave us the Sacrament of Penance (confession).

There is another book you might be interested in called "THis is the Faith" by Ripley. It lays out the basic Faith in very simple terms. Read it with a bible and a Catechism handy.

Thanks for the recommended books, insight and dialogue.

Yesterday, on EWTN Radio, a Messianic Jewish woman was hosting a program, she interviewd a gentleman (whose name I can't remember, I sorry to say), a very accomplished Jewish gentleman who converted to Catholicism.

This gentleman wrote a book called "Salvation is from the Jews", and the account of how God sought him out, and God's subsequent bestowal of Grace was a back of the neck hair raising account.

This guy was/is as persuasive an advocate of the Catholic Faith as I have ever had the pleasure to hear.