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Frankly, I don't trust him.
As I have often written here and in other forums and said from time to time (with apologies to Santayana): Those who cannot remember Church history are condemned to make it up.
Based on your "recommendation" I will now check it out. Thanks!!
Trying to deny the intertwining of paganism and Christianity is a fool’s errand. The evidence is everywhere, including St. Peter’s Basilica.
Take the Scavi Tour at the Vatican. It’s not easy to get a ticket, but you can take a 360 degree virtual tour at the Vatican website.
The tour is of the second level below the main floor of the Basilica. There are many interesting things on this level, including pagan mausoleums complete with receptacles for animal blood sacrifice as well as the grave of St. Peter.
The Church itself accepts the connection, no reason to have hysteria over it. The evidence below St. Peter’s was found in the 1950’s when one of the pillars of the main altar sank and repairs were attempted from below. At first the wonders were covered up. But Pope Pious XII ordered the entire level excavated and it is now open for 12 person tours, always with a guide/lecturer. The tour is most informative and educational.
I disagree with a few things, history itself is only evidence of how things were done, it does not prove that it was done the way Jesus taught.
The verses below show that Jesus did not intend for the Apostles to start a hierarchy.
Mat 20:25
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Also
Mat 23:5
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7
And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
The people who followed the Apostles did it out of trust.
In view of what Jesus said, how could any real believer trust some one that had just the opposite attitude?