Beginnings Of Catholicism As We Know It

[Dusty Fro]

When were the beginnings of Catholicism as we know it, say, when was it organized in the structure of popes, bishops and priests like it is today? Does anyone know of books on the history of the Christian church, specifically on the organization of leaders?

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
5/16 - Sixth Sunday of Easter

DustyFro,

Good question; the hierarchy of the Church has always been in place from the word go. Check Acts 15 for the first council of the Church at Jerusalem; Peter's definitely in control.

As regards titles like "metropolitan", "cardinal", "dean", "monsignor", etc., these came into use at later dates for the sake of distinguishing jobs or roles certain men had in the Church from other roles.

I know of two good Church history books right off the top of my head; first, Fr. John Laux's book [i]Church History[/i] is a good place to start. Also, Ann Carroll has written a book on Church history, though its name escapes me at the moment. Depending on how in-depth you want your information, Hilaire Belloc gives wonderful overviews of various historical events and figures in the life of the Church. Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono