Posted on 09/18/2009 9:22:24 AM PDT by Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus
John Adams, letter to Thomas Jefferson, July 16, 1814
I don't find that quote anywhere but on athiest blogs. Please reference a valid source for that.
However it is true that the Catholic church was in existence for over 1,500 years and now over 2,000 years.
The Apostle Peter was our first pope and the unbroken line of popes is historically traced to Pope Benedict.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm
Peter established the church in 34 AD, as he was commanded to do by Jesus.
Mathew: "18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Peter died in Rome in 64 AD.
While we Catholics are certainly human and imperfect, the gates of Hell have yet to destroy it. God knows they try. So ntil I find that "perfect church", I'll be sticking to the church that God gave me.
bflr
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