"You make a good point about Catholism and its historical substance. The organization of the church that spread in the Roman Empirebefore 325 AD does point a few rituals that were practiced before 325 AD, such as Baptism and the Eucharist. It wasn't until Aruis of Alexandria created an controversy among Christians that compelled the Roman Emperor to deal with the growing problem, hence forth Catholic "universal"."
-Quote Ironicmyopia
Yes, that was definitely a major heresy that afflicted the church. It took a long time to stamp out Arianism which is the first heresy that completely denied the divinity of Jesus. Also, Its not that a "few"rituals were practiced before 325 A.D it can be shown that "all" Catholic Doctrinal practices were in effect prior to 325 a.d. though not necessarily in the form we see them in exactly today. (By doctrinal im talking about the Doctrines not disciplinary practices such as Celibacy for certain clergy) Through the writings of the early church fathers we see the constant living tradition regarding the church as "Catholic" the teachings regarding the Eucharist, TheMass as a Sacrifice, Confession, Baptism, the Church Hiearchy, Confirmation and so on.
The Term Catholic wasnt coined or developed after the Arian Heresy which began in 318 A.d. (Arius a priest began teaching that Jesus wasnot God) The Church had been known as Catholic long before that time. A Protestant early church historian J. N. D. Kelly writes "As regards `Catholic,' its original meaning was 'universal'or 'general" (now my words) Which is part of the understanding that these church fathers viewed the Church as a visible organization separate from Heretics, Gnostics and any other dissidents to the apostolic faith. J.N.D Kelly also confirms this in his writings though the actual material to quote is not in my possession at themoment. The important point being that even honest protestant scholars must acknowledge this historical information.
The following are but a few examples of early church writings regarding "Catholic" the Mass, the Eucharist. This in and of itself doesn't Prove there is a God, it doesn't Prove that Christianity is the Truth, but it does help prove that the early church was none other than Catholic…
Ignatius of Antioch
Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop or by one whom he ordains [i.e., a presbyter]. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church (Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2[A.D. 110]).
The Martyrdom of Polycarp
"And of the elect, he was one indeed, the wonderful martyr Polycarp, who in our days was an apostolic and prophetic teacher, bishop of the Catholic Church in Smyrna. For every word which came forth from his mouth was fulfilled and will be fulfilled" (Martyrdom of Polycarp16:2 [A.D. 155]).
The Didache
"Assemble on the Lord's day, and break bread and offer the Eucharist; but first make confession of your faults, so that your sacrifice maybe a pure one. Anyone who has a difference with his fellow is not to take part with you until he has been reconciled, so as to avoid any profanation of your sacrifice [Matt. 5:23–24]. For this is the offering of which the Lord has said, `Everywhere and always bring me a sacrifice that is undefiled, for I am a great king, says the Lord,and my name is the wonder of nations' [Mal. 1:11, 14]" (Didache 14[A.D. 70]).
Justin Martyr
"We call this food Eucharist, and no one else is permitted to partake of it, except one who believes our teaching to be true and who has been washed in the washing which is for the remission of sins and for regeneration [i.e., has received baptism] and is thereby living as Christ enjoined. For not as common bread nor common drink do we receive these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too, as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by him, and by the change of which our blood and flesh is nurtured, is both the fleshand the blood of that incarnated Jesus" (First Apology 66 [A.D. 151]).
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