Well, since I’m a Baptist and EXPECTED to interpret scripture apart from the Catholic Church, I guess I have to disagree with you. Not everyone who is Protestant is “intellectually simplistic” or relies on “emotionally uplifting” instead of faith in God. John Calvin certainly had his faults...he was none too fond of Baptists...but he was very intelligent and not exactly a warm, cuddly, Kumbaya-singing TV evangelist! James White would be another example of someone who doesn’t make emotional appeals, and who can handle himself quite well in a debate with Catholic apologists.
Those who prefer scripture to church catechisms for authority are neither stupid nor preying on the emotionally needy. Having lived in third world, Catholic majority countries, I’d say that Catholicism is every bit as open to misinterpretation, emotional displays and wild doctrine among adherents. If you doubt me, look at the Philippines, where many ‘Catholics’ will nail themselves to crosses each spring.
I think it is fair to say that most ‘denominations’ (faith traditions? not sure what the best word is) have a mix of very intelligent and sincere defenders, along with ample folk who don’t know what or why they believe.
False dichotomy.