Hearing is the same as reading, as long as it is not corrupted by a third party intermediary. :) I believe the Apostles taught orally exactly what they wrote.
You really have a thing about clergy.
I am trying to figure a reason for them to teach what is against scripture on a wide range of issues. I know that clergy are fallible and that power corrupts. At least the Latin clergy also claims absolute power (one of the reasons for the Great Schism). Men who have power almost always seek more power. That widespread corruption has been rampant in the Latin Church throughout history is inarguable. So, this is one explanation that would fit. I recognize their humanity and what could happen to anyone who was taught that he had so much more power than he actually had.
Most people have no clue what they are reading when they read the Bible.
I don't agree. While complex doctrines need teachers, fundamentals and elementary concepts are able to be grasped by the average person, at least OUR elementary concepts. :)
Writeen word is never the same as spoken word, lacking intonations and visual and autority nuances. It can enver fully transmit the effect of the spoken word. Likewise, the spoken word may be overheard and without being able to check it again, it may lead to a false conclusion. The best way is for the written word to be read correctly, which is why the Gospel readings in the church are done only by priest, as they are trained to read correctly, and comment on them as perconcensus of the Church.
At no time in the Bible was left up tom the untrained and unschooled to read the scrolls.
That widespread corruption has been rampant in the Latin Church throughout history is inarguable. So, this is one explanation that would fit. I recognize their humanity and what could happen to anyone who was taught that he had so much more power than he actually had
And how is this different from others? The difference is that priests have the "keys." How widespread is their corruption, FK? and how does it compare to other professions that are bound by the laws of ethics?