True. But the fact that you believe there is a God to be understood, insofar as we are able, puts you a long way down that road.
Must each Christian re-create their own theology and Christian religion?
Why, no. We have our own "Church Fathers", so to speak. I am pretty much a Calvinist, myself, although I disagree about predestination/
Does anyone truly arrive at their interpretation of scripture entirely on their own? Or does everyone rely on some authority or what someone else has taught them
Of course no one starts from scratch, anymore than they do in physics or medicine. But, and it is a big "but", IMO, they have to study differing theologies to determine the one that they think, with guidance from the Holy Spirit one would hope, is correct as best they can determine.
In my own case, it is not the overall doctrine of the Catholic Church, although I have no difficulty with the concepts that some Catholics are saved, and some are not. Just as some of my own group, the Baptists, are saved, and some are not. Church ritual does not save you, again IMO.
Would you rather trust your own reasoned interpretation of medicine and disease rather than a doctor whose knowledge, experience, wisdom and calling you trust? Doctors, lawyers, engineers. All are educated and trained in complex disciplines. Naturally, if I needed one, I would consider his advice carefully. And then I would compare it to what I actually wanted to accomplish. Professionals are like beans; you buy 'em and sell 'em as needed.
Salvation, though is a much simpler matter. Accept Christ and get it; reject Him and be damned. It requires no more to be saved.
But if you are saved, why then your behavior will improve. You'll try to live a life free of sin. You won't make it, but you'll try. You'll help the unfortunate yourself, not steal from others so that you can feel you are a more moral human being.
You'll know that you are a sinner still, if still a saved one. Look. Mafia dons get baptized and go to Mass. You think they are going to make it? Well, maybe some, if they come to a sincere repentance. Hitler could have been saved. I doubt that he was, especially with the suicide thing (and no, I don't think of it as a "mortal sin"). But it is evidence to my mind that he wasn't repetant. Rejecting Christ is the only truly mortal sin. ufortunately, it is the default position.
Okay, let's look at this a minute. Within Christianity I would say their are five primary theologies:
1. Catholic/Orthodox
2. Lutheran
3. Calvinist
4. Anglican
5. Arminian/Baptist
Now, I know we could argue about this list and I am certainly open to different categorizations, but I think most of us can agree that there are a few distinct and conflicting theologies within Christianity. So, the question becomes, since the Holy Spirit CANNOT LIE, which ones are wrong?
Rejecting Christ is the only truly mortal sin.
Actually, Christ said that the ONLY sin that could not be forgiven is blasphemy of the Spirit. But what does that actually mean? I think a case could be made that saying a theology comes from the Holy Spirit when in fact it was just made up could fall into the category of speaking against the Holy Spirit.
But you asked: "Wouldn’t you rather trust your own reasoned interpretation of Scripture rather than that of any other man?" I think we assign authority differently. I would posit that the authority of Christ's Church has His authority, whereas you and Calvin do not.
Salvation, though is a much simpler matter. Accept Christ and get it; reject Him and be damned. It requires no more to be saved.
According to your interpretation, or yours and those whose you accept. So, my question still applies, you are choosing to accept on your own authority within your own limited means and capacity rather than those of the Apostles and Apostolic successors, the Doctors of the Church. They discussed and debated all the major questions of the Christian faith in Ecumenical Councils and left us with the foundations of doctrines and creeds of the Catholic Church.
Of course, we each make our choices on soteriology. Catholics look at it as following Christ as the head of His Church, and His authority is vested in His Church with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
With this in mind, you can understand that Calvin or Luther or your interpretations and teaching on salvation have no authority. They may be interesting to discuss, and many of the particulars were discussed and debated long ago as the Church developed doctrine and creeds, but they are not given the weight of real authority.
I say this to explain where we come from in viewing other's individual views and interpretation, not to demean or insult your own personal search for truth.
Thanks for your courteous reply.