darth_ender said:
As for succession, I am assuming you are Roman Catholic or something related (such as Orthodox), given your belief that Christ would not have allowed such a fall of his Church shortly after his death. It should not be terribly surprising, however, given that previously people were quick to reject God's message. Paul's letters themselves speak of the consistent intrusion of false doctrine among those who had only recently proselyted. See here for a nice start on our understanding of a Great Apostasy following Christ's and his apostles' deaths, with scriptures to back it up. It's not of great depth, but as is most of this stuff, it's a starting point for understanding our perspective.

Protestant/non-denominational, actually. I just find it hard to believe that God would let the church wander aimlessly for 1800 years when it had only been around for 40 or so before the end of the New Testament.