Lol what a wild misrepresentation.

The assembly of the biblical canon, both Old and New Testament, occurred over several centuries and involved different processes for the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and the Christian Scriptures (New Testament).

Old Testament Canon

The Hebrew Bible, or the Old Testament, was largely established by Jewish religious leaders over centuries. It is traditionally believed that the Law (Torah) was completed and recognized as authoritative by around 400 B.C. The Prophets (Nevi'im) and the Writings (Ketuvim) were gradually accepted over time, with the Hebrew canon being solidified by the time of Jesus.

By the first century A.D., the Old Testament books were essentially agreed upon in Jewish tradition, with three main divisions:

1. The Torah (the first five books)

2. The Nevi'im (the Prophets)

3. The Ketuvim (the Writings)

The Council of Jamnia (c. A.D. 90) is sometimes cited as a key moment in confirming the Hebrew canon, although evidence for a formal council is debated. Nonetheless, by the end of the first century, the Hebrew Scriptures had been settled.

New Testament Canon

The process for assembling the New Testament canon was more drawn out, emerging over the first few centuries of Christianity. Early church leaders used several criteria for recognizing books as Scripture:

Apostolic authorship or close connection to the apostles

Consistency with Christian doctrine

Widespread usage in churches for teaching and worship

Key figures in the canonization process include:

1. Athanasius of Alexandria: His Easter letter in 367 A.D. was the first known document to list all 27 books of the New Testament as canonical.

2. Councils of Hippo (393 A.D.) and Carthage (397 A.D.): These councils affirmed the 27 books of the New Testament, as they had already been widely accepted by churches.

God's Sovereignty in the Canonization Process

From a classical Judeo-Christian perspective, God sovereignly guided the process of canonization through the work of His Spirit in the church. Although human councils and leaders played roles in formally recognizing the canon, it is believed that God ultimately determined which books were inspired and authoritative.

In summary, the Old Testament canon was formed over centuries within the Jewish community, while the New Testament canon was recognized through the early church solidifying by the 4th century A.D.

Catholics are not the original Christians, one can focus on the following points:

1. Apostolic Christianity: The earliest Christians, including the apostles, followed a simple form of faith based on Scripture and direct teachings from Jesus Christ. These early believers met in homes, emphasized salvation through faith alone, and adhered to biblical teachings without many of the later developments seen in Catholicism.

2. Gradual Development of Catholic Doctrine: Many Catholic doctrines (e.g., papal infallibility, veneration of Mary, indulgences) developed over centuries and are not found in the New Testament or early Christian writings. These teachings diverged from the original apostolic practices, reflecting an evolution rather than a continuation of the early faith.

3. The Great Schism and Protestant Reformation: The Christian Church experienced several splits, most notably the Great Schism of 1054 (East-West) and the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Reformers like Martin Luther argued that the Catholic Church had deviated from original Christianity, calling for a return to biblical authority and the simplicity of early Christian faith.

4. Biblical Authority Over Tradition: Early Christianity was rooted in the authority of Scripture, whereas Catholicism gives equal weight to church tradition. Protestants argue that this addition of extra-biblical tradition represents a departure from the foundational teachings of the apostles.

In conclusion, those who argue that Catholicism isn't the original form of Christianity claim that the early church was simpler, biblically grounded, and free of many later Catholic practices. Therefore, Catholicism is viewed as a development that diverged from the original apostolic faith.

I'll add my biggest personal hang up (of many) with Catholicism here.... Neither Catholic priests nor the Pope meet the biblical requirements laid out in scripture for a pastor or an elder. Period.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:5-9

A pastor or elder must be a married man. A pastor must be a married man with faithful and obedient children.

This is God's commanded structure for His Church and The shepherds of His flock.

The Catholic Church demands clerical celibacy and doesn't allow priests to be married.

God's Word > Catholic traditions