I seem to have been asleep in History class when this came up.
Where can I read about it?
Well, a careful reading of Acts 15 will show how the Apostles handled disputes in the early Church. Note that there was a dispute, and then a consideration, and then a resolution. The Apostles clearly believed there was ONE answer, not a multiplicity. Note too that the questions were not all about the momentous issues on which Catholics and Protestants still agree, such as the concept and elucidation of the Trinity, but on everyday issues such as whether Gentiles needed to become circumcised.
After that, any history which goes into detail about the Church’s actions will do. I hesitate to recommend one as I am mostly familiar with Catholic sources.
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Note: My discussions here are multiplying, and my ability to explain (knowledge, time, etc.) is being strained, so this may be my last post on this subject. Please don’t take my limited abilities as evidence that the Church lacks explanatory force, simply that *I* am limited.