Well you beg the question, as you must, but that doesn’t resolve it for me. Any number of groups makes the identical claim, “we are the true successors to the primitive church.” God is not making that claim. You are. And I have as much right to question you as I do the Mormons or the Moonies. The article I referenced shows there is substantial doubt that the primitive church knew anything of the papacy as it later came to be formulated. I don’t have time for deep historical digressions, so that article will have to remain my response to your historical claims for now. The theological/Scriptural arguments are more accessible because we share a common regard for Scripture. If you would win me on the point, and not just beg the question, I would suggest you start there. Or not. If we’re done we’re done. It’s up to you.
You are correct many make that claim, but only my Church can back it up in extra-biblical writings some of which I have quoted. I can go on quoting but to be honest, I seldom engage in religious discussions anymore on FR, they tend to go on forever and I get distracted from my work. Not that I don’t enjoy debating, I do. But it becomes time-consuming. For the sake of brevity however, I would just like to add some biblical points or markers for your discernment:
*It was founded by Jesus Christ Himself in Mt 16:18.
*It would be built on Simon Peter, Mt 16:18.
*It would be defended by GOD Himself, Mt 16:18-19.
*It would have authority given by Jesus Christ, Mt 16:19,18:17-18.
*It would be guided by the Holy Spirit who will dwell within it, Jn 14:15-17, Act 15:28,16:6.
*It would be one and undivided, Mk 3:24-25.
*It would have one fold and one shepherd, Jn 10:16.
*It would have Priests, Bishops, and Deacons, 1Tim 3:1-13.
*It must have the Holy Eucharist celebration, Jn 6:42-70, Act 2:42.
*It must be found in all nations, Mt 28:19.
*It must be found in all centuries, Mt 28:20.
*Jesus Christ said He would be with His Church every day, in every year, until the end of the world, Mt 28:20. This means no gaps in time.
My apologies but I’m I’ll be on my way to visit my Mom for Thanksgiving and It;ll be a while before I get back. In the mean-time, have a wonderful Thanksgiving! :-)