[bronx2]

Both entities share legitimate apostolic succession and have valid sacramental systems. Both assisted in formulating and compiling the current Bible over the first 400 years of church history and in warding off early heresies as Gnosticism and Arianism which posed a much greater threat to Christianity than protestantism. These churches are not for everybody for many are called but few chosen. The Eastern churches e.g. Russian , Greek are very nationalistic and one must accept that salient fact.

These churches are not for all and to remain Calvinistic might be better for some. Read the early church fathers to obtain insight as to how closely your particular church resembles the churches of the first century.

[A. Patriot]

Thanks for the information. I always thought the Roman side claimed superiority.

[A. Patriot]

.... in warding off early heresies as Gnosticism and Arianism which posed a much greater threat to Christianity than protestantism.
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Unfortunately, IMHO, most Protestant churches today are Arminiast. I would rather be a Catholic than one of these.

[Belteshazzar]

bronx2 said:
“Read the early church fathers to obtain insight as to how closely your particular church resembles the churches of the first century.”

Better yet, read the epistles of the inspired and unerring Apostles written to the unquestionably Christian, though flawed, congregations of the first century. The Apostles explain thetically and antithetically, by the command and inspiration of God Himself, the teaching of the Gospels of Jesus Christ to those flawed and sinful, and yet redeemed and dearly loved people. Then, yes, read the church fathers as you have time, and compare what they say to the Apostles and to the Lord. But be well aware of which rightly stands in judgment of which.