Catholic Church Same Today As It Was In Early Christianity

I will begin with some opening remarks, then address the points of my opponent. By the way, my use of the term 'early Christianity' is meant to designate the time period (roughly) from the lifetime of the early Apostles until 4th - 5th Century AD. Let me begin by stating I acknowledge that the Catholic Church has changed! Let me explain. The Church is considered (by theologians) to be a living body composed of members, very much like a human being. Now a living person develops from infancy/childhood to full maturity/adulthood, yet remains essentially the same person. So too with the Church. She has developed from 'infancy' (early Christianity) unto 'full maturity' (Middle Ages to the present). However, this ongoing development has never caused a break in her essential character. Moreover, I hold that the Church has never changed or retracted any of Her officially held beliefs throughout Her 2000 year history. If my opponent can prove that the Catholic Church has not held fast to what it has always taught and believed regarding doctrine - of which it claims to be an infallible guide - then my opponent wins the debate. Likewise, if my opponent can prove that the Chair of Peter cannot trace itself back historically to the first Pope in an unbroken line of succession, then the entire Catholic claim of Apostolic succession is a fraud and he also wins this debate. I will briefly comment on the points that my opponent has brought forth in the first round, (even though I believe they are 'straw man' arguments which have no bearing on the arguments I have put forth earlier). A) It is a misconception to say that the 'Catholic Church' believes in Evolution. What is fact is that in the past 100 years the Church has praised the scientific research behind the concept of Evolution - in so far as it is compatible with Church teaching. Pope Pius XII officially responded to Darwin's 1859 treatise when he wrote that "the Teaching Authority of the Church does not forbid. . research and discussions to take place with regard to the doctrine of evolution. " [1] Pope John Paul II assigned the 'ultimate meaning' of evolution to Theology. [2] The Catholic Church has never included evolution in its official set of beliefs nor in Her catechism. B)The Catholic Church never officially taught that the sun revolved around the earth! What the Church did was forbid the teaching or defense of heliocentrism until theologians could later review and decide upon that view. Furthermore, a 17th century 'Advisory Committee' of Catholics issuing a statement endorsing geocentrism and condemning heliocentrism does not constitute the Catholic Church. Note: The Church recognizes Science to be outside Her area of expertise. Catholics can believe it if it does not undermine doctrine. [1] Pope Leo XII wrote "no real disagreement can exist between the theologian and the scientist provided each keeps within his own limits. . . " [3] C)The Crusades were not an 'act of aggression' against 'innocent people'. The Catholic Church did not hang people for committing adultery (but has consistently taught against it). People were not executed during the Spanish Inquisition for disagreeing with the Catholic Church. These are all lies and myths that have notoriously been perpetuated by the 'anti-Catholic' establishment for over four centuries up to the present day. They can be refuted using historical evidence. Nice topics for debate, yes, but irrelevant to this one. D) The number of exorcisms performed by the Catholic Church today as compared to yesterday has no bearing on whether or not the Church has historically remained steadfast on matters of belief/doctrine over the centuries. If some people do not believe in the devil, demon possession, the Eucharist, Baptism, Marriage, or other tenets of the Faith anymore, I respond that it has no historical bearing on what the Church as a body has always consistently taught and believed on these matters. Furthermore, 'people' does not constitute the Catholic Church. (More on what is meant by the 'Catholic Church' in another round, time permitting. ) E) I agree that the Catholic Church has had greater or lesser influence both socially and politically at various times and places throughout Her history. But She Has continued amongst these vacillations undivided in unity and government. The Church is not out to win a popularity contest, only to pass on the Faith to the next generation pure and undefiled. In the south, I agree that there aren't nearly as many Catholics as there are Baptists. This again, is another 'straw man' which proves or disproves nothing. In R3, I will attempt to prove that what I have claimed in R1 about the Catholic Church is indeed historically verifiable, accurate and true. God bless. [1] Pope Pius XII; 1950; Humani Generis [2] . http://www.cin.org... [3] Pope Leo XIII;Providentissimu