I have an even more crucial question:
If sola scriptura was so vital, why isn't it even alluded to in the Bible?
That question is a red herring, posed by a man-made corporation.
b'shem Y'shua
You presuppose a singular interpretive mind for the scripture. To say that the different sects are evidence that scripture alone are insufficient requires that there be an acceptance of a single, inviolate interpretation of the scripture in every detail.
That is the Roman Catholic tradition - an Ex Cathedra mindset, where the "infallible teachings" can never fail or be wrong. Your question cannot be answered in the terms you pose it, because you have presupposed adherence to the RC hierarchical positions on the primacy of teachings of the church.
The only difference between Saddleback, the local PCA congregation, the local Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is a minor and insignificant disagreements over leadership structure?
Oh really, Lutherans believe in consubstantiation, grace in the sacraments and private confession. Try that at Saddleback.
As a former Lutheran, I can tell you they are in some respects far closer to Catholicism than they are to Saddleback or the PCA.
The extreme Radical "Reformers" began the process of Christianity's dissolution by denying the divinity of Christ by the Bible alone and a whole host of extremist beliefs that led to the shipwreck of the "Enlightenment."
What Evangelical would affirm private confession?
http://members.aol.com/SemperRef/private.html
That Luther wanted private confession retained as a separate sacramental rite of the Church cannot be questioned. In his article, Of Confession, he says, "I will let no one take away private confession and would not exchange it for all the wealth of the world, for I know what strength and comfort it has given me."
"In his eighth sermon against Carlstadt (1522), who had abolished private confession in Wittenberg during Luther's absence, Luther closed with the words, "I know the devil well. If you had known him as well as I, you would not have thrown private confession so quickly to the wind."
In his Babylonian Captivity of the Church Luther writes, "Of private confession, which is now observed, I am heartily in favor, even though it cannot be proved from the Scriptures; it is useful and necessary, nor would I have it abolished; nay, I rejoice that it exists in the Church of Christ, for it is a cure without equal for distressed consciences."
***I'm asking a very simple question. If scripture alone as a sole rule of faith is sufficient to establish the truth of Christianity, why are there hundreds of disagreeing sects based upon the bible?***
And I answered your question. I do not believe that there are "Hundreds" of competing sects, but there are many. And most of them differ in their government, or in the interpetation of some text or the application of various things. Some, like your mention of the difference in the ELCA and the LCMS, have to do with a liberal verses conservative application to the Bible. (Just like in your church).
***The only difference between Saddleback, the local PCA congregation, the local Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is a minor and insignificant disagreements over leadership structure?***
I didn't say this was the "Only" difference, those are your interpetations of what I said.