Replies

I urge you to read a book on the development of doctrine in early Christian history. You will find that those declared as heretics used the very same Scriptures to prove their points of view as being correct

While I believe it is worthwhile for people to read and understand history, our Lord Jesus warned us about following the tradition of men (vis-a-vis Pharisees). I can't recall any such warning about reading scripture, can you?

Those who hold false views of things were always meant to hold false views. God separates the sheep from the goats. It is God who gives us our knowledge and understanding. At least that's what the scriptures states.

You are wrong on both cases. First of all, Jesus warned about following traditions that lead us AWAY from God, not ALL traditions (by which, I presume, YOU mean unwritten traditions). Don't you recognize your own "traditions", such as Sola Fide and Sola Scriptura?

And secondly, the Scripture does warn us about reading it without the Church:

"even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." 2 Peter 3:15b-16

Incorrect Scripture interpretation DESTROYS!!!

The Lord's battle with Satan in the desert clearly shows that Scripture can be used for good or bad purposes.

Those who hold false views of things were always meant to hold false views.

Really??!!! What do you think of your past views that were faulty? Or are you still wrong?!! Seriously, though, that fatalistic attitude won't do with me. I held to false views before, and now I don't! [to include views that we agree on, such as Christ's resurrection]

God separates the sheep from the goats

...in heaven at the final judgment (Mat 25), not now. Or, perhaps, you prefer the wheat and the weeds?

It is God who gives us our knowledge and understanding

Well, I am happy to see we still agree on this!

Regards

Lord Jesus warned us about following the tradition of men

Of course He did. Look what harm the traditions of Luther and Calvin did to Christianity.

I can't recall any such warning about reading scripture, can you?

30 And Philip running thither, heard [the Eunuch] reading the prophet Isaias. And he said: Thinkest thou that thou understandest what thou readest? 31 Who said: And how can I, unless some man shew me?
(Acts 8)
15 ... the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
(1 Timothy 3)
20 Understanding this first, that no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation.
(2 Peter 1)
... also our most dear brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, hath written to you: 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are certain things hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
(2 Peter 3)

"To their own destruction". I'd take that as a warning if I were you.

"While I believe it is worthwhile for people to read and understand history, our Lord Jesus warned us about following the tradition of men (vis-a-vis Pharisees). I can't recall any such warning about reading scripture, can you?"
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I Cor. 4:6 "Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. "

It sure reads as though we should always search the WRITTEN WORD for the truth and not consider other sources as equal to the WRITTEN WORD (THE BIBLE).

BTW, I do agree it is always good to look at sources to understand the times at which events occurred, but I never consider those sources of information coequal the SCRIPTURES.