OK - I get the point.....you are seemingly an anti- catholic evangelical using this thread to post your opposition to the RCC.
Nomally I would tell someone with such a viewpoint to "take a hike"..........but I do have a more profound comment.
Many Protestants - and evangelicals in particular - see the Roman Catholic Church as either the seat of the Antichrist, or as the "whore of Babylon, drunk on the blood of the martyrs".
It might surprise you to learn that many conservative, traditional Catholic Biblical Scholars think exactly the same thing may be indicated in scripture.
But there is a difference: TENSE.
You are referring to the present tense. Those of us Catholics who agree with traditional scripture scholars believe that this may well be the case - but in the FUTURE. It is predicted in scripture that there will be a mass apostacy. Those of us who have studied know this.
It has not all literally happened yet. It may well happend in the future - near future. Perhaps in my lifetime.
But regardless of this prophecy or the all too real probability of its near future coming true, that is no reason to "knock" the Roman Catholic Church........which is THE CHURCH which Christ himself founded - from which ultimately, all Christian denominations came.
Jesus Christ founded the Catholic Church........not the baptists, presbyterians, Dutch reformed, Heugonats, Quakers, Methodists, and many and sundry other Christian denominations. These were all founded by mortal men - either as a revolt against the Catholic church, or as a further doctrinal schism against each other. While their believers/adherants do indeed follow the Lord Jesus Christ, the denomination they adhere to was totally man made.
That much is historical fact. Now if you personally do not like or have a quarrel with aspect of church history, or the actions of individuals, so be it. If you do not accept our doctrines - fine.
But otherwise kindly leave my church - the Roman Catholic Church alone. It is not inherently evil - neither are the various Protestant Churches. Nor is it perfect, being composed of mortal men.......and neither are any of the Protestant churches.
After all the first Bishops of the Church were the Apostles - and they sure were not perfect! The first Pope was Peter......whom Christ chose not for his intelligence, or spiritual/moral strength. But for his weakness. God always chooses the weak as his vessels, and makes them great despite their weaknesses, for his greater glory.
First, I believe that the Bible is the breathed word of God; I believe that God is who He says He is; I believe the only way to Him is through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now to my question...I'm new to the site, and have been reading all these posts, and would like to ask about the statement that Jesus founded, or started the Catholic church, but not the others...since you specifically name the Catholic church, can you point me to the supporting scripture? I am sincerely interested in this...thanks.