FK: But it's not your job to know that. The best you should be able to do is to tell me that your clergy do not believe in the Biblical teaching of Sola Scriptura.
No it's not my job, but I happen to know. :) And the clergy certainly know that too. In fact, it was the clergy that called my attention to the nonexistence of "sola scriptura" in the Scriptures.
One CANNOT love God without knowing something of His word
One more dogmatic truism that has no basis in reality.
While one CAN certainly come to true faith without having read a word for himself, especially if it is unavailable to him, the danger is in whether the human teacher actually has it right
And there is no danger in private interpretation of the Scriptures?
If one DOES have the scriptures available he would be irresponsible for not reading them for himself. This is exactly what Paul was talking about with the Bereans.
Again, Paul was speaking in a synagogue and the rabbis (elders) checked the scrolls against his words. And some were not convinced!
He was PROUD of them for not taking his word for it on anything.
No, he was simply reporting that they didn't take his word for it.
They searched the scriptures themselves.
Of course, who also was there to search it for the rabbis! Little context please...
Paul implied with his praise that it was the responsible thing to do
You mean, he though it was their job? I agree, that's what the rabbis are for. People don't go behind the curtain and pull out the sacred Torah scrolls every time they want to check something. Even those who read it can only touch it with a pointer (picture)
You think there was your average Berean man (and certainly not women) who "checked" to see if Paul was right? That's about as credible as pink unicorns on Jupiter. That betrays complete lack of knowledge of historical context and cultural and religious practises of the Jews.