It's reasonably fair. The points I would make about it are the following.
Do you have any idea why some people here don't think it's fair? Won't even address it?
1) This guy seems to be incredibly individualistic. Where are his mentors, his friends, his Sunday School teacher, his parents, etc... Obviously, to some Proddies this individualism is an attraction of the "system." But, I would think most Proddies would listen to their church's counsel (in the context of relationships w/ them) and advice on doctrinal matters.
I did show him asking for help from Church and friends. It is also true as you say that most folks will listen to their Church's counsel. I was speaking more to the occasion when an individual has to put Sola Scriptura into action. People certainly change Churches when they have a dispute with te pastor.
2) I have never come across a person who came up with a doctrinal idea in the manner you proposed. I have had countless experiences with people who hear a message on the radio, or see a preacher on TV, or get a tract or a book from a friend and then suddenly "see the truth in Scripture." I don't think this is a problem inherent in Sola Scriptura, but a problem inherent in the whole Christian media scene. Books and tapes are sold and reputations made on doctrinal "innovations." I can't count the number of times that I've discussed doctrinal issues with people and they counter my scriptural exegesis with, "But Kenneth Copeland-Hagen [insert your least favorite prophet of Tulsa/Baal here] says...." So I don't think that the occurences of something like that happening are very high.
This is a good point. Of course most folks don't develop their ideas alone in a room with the Scripture. But they should go and "test" the ideas against Scripture. I honestly didn't think of the media effect. A few hundred years ago it wouldn't have been a huge factor and I was trying to come up with a truly generic situation.
3) I don't know how much time people who come up with new doctrines spend in prayer. But I have grave and deep-seated suspicions. If they really spend that much time in prayer, you think God would actually reveal the truth to them. And I don't think there's a lot of "new truths" out there to be revealed (anymore than there are new Traditions to be developed).
I think that's my line.
Thank you for the thoughtful response. It is good to know that I can "reasonbly" understand the process of my "enemies."
SD
I could be way off base, but I would think the rise in non-denominationalism's popularity could be directly tied to an increase in media and media exposure of Christians. The dirty little secret at the top is that non-denominationalism means you (as the pastor or chief teacher) get to keep all the loot without any accountability.