Can you provide objective historical evidence of the succession of leaders in your church that dates back to the apostles? What are your oldest documents?
For example, Catholics can point to this historical lineage of leadership:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm
Historical continuity is critical in determining whether we belong to the one and only Church authorized by Jesus. Matthew 16 explains how Jesus appointed Simon Peter as the first leader, promised that the Church would not be defeated by hell itself, and gave Peter the keys to the kingdom, with the power to "bind and loose," i.e., to make decisions on earth that would be bound in heaven.
Thus, any organization not founded by Jesus lacks the authority of Jesus to forgive sins and administer the sacraments. Too, it lacks spiritual protection against the prince of this world.
2007-11-07
07:51:13
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27 answers
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asked by
Bruce
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Religion & Spirituality