This is a complex question with different perspectives depending on who you ask. Here's a breakdown of the different viewpoints:
Biblical Christianity:
* Origin: Biblical Christians generally trace their origins back to Jesus Christ and the apostles in the 1st century AD, as recorded in the New Testament. They believe that the core tenets of their faith are derived directly from the Bible.
Roman Catholicism:
* Roman Catholic View: The Roman Catholic Church views itself as the continuation of the original church founded by Jesus Christ. They believe that the apostle Peter was appointed by Jesus as the first Pope, and they trace an unbroken line of Popes back to him. They generally date the start of the Church to around 33 AD.
* Protestant/Other Views: Many Protestants and other Christians who are not Catholic do not accept the Roman Catholic Church's claim to be the sole continuation of the original church. They argue that the Roman Catholic Church developed gradually over time, incorporating doctrines and practices not found in the Bible. They might point to specific events or periods as marking a departure from early Christianity, such as:
* The formalization of the Papacy: The gradual rise of the Pope's authority over the church, particularly after the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD.
* The development of specific doctrines: Doctrines such as purgatory, papal infallibility, and the immaculate conception of Mary, which developed later in church history.
* The Great Schism of 1054: The split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western (Roman Catholic) Church. This is a key event for some who see it as a significant divergence from the early church.
* The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century: This is the most significant split. Reformers like Martin Luther argued that the Catholic Church had become corrupt and had departed from biblical teachings, leading to the formation of Protestant denominations.
In summary:
* Biblical Christianity: Began with Jesus Christ and the apostles in the 1st century AD.
* Roman Catholicism: The Catholic Church claims to have begun with Jesus Christ and the apostle Peter in the 1st century AD. However, other perspectives see the Roman Catholic Church as developing and evolving over time, with significant changes occurring in later centuries.
It's important to understand these different perspectives and the historical arguments that support them.