[alancarp]

No, the preaching of the Apostles did not need to be written before it could be uttered. Their source, of course, was Christ Himself...and the writings of the Old Testament (already covered above). Can't get much better than that. Our church fathers then wrote the essentials down over the next few decades to form the New Testament. And I know you're aware of this. Again: the preaching and the scriptures are entirely compatible. How do I know this? See the Bereans reference above.

Apparently, these essentials of NT doctrines failed to include any discussion of purgatory, Marianism, and the like. That's my complaint. If these were important doctrinally, then where are they? Yet y'all essentially dismiss all debate about these topics under the blanket 'tradition' argument. And this dismissal happens precisely because... it's an undefendable position.

[alancarp]

And with that, I realize that we’re probably at an impasse (no real surprise) since I seem to be repeating myself.

[GonzoII]

"Apparently, these essentials of NT doctrines failed to include any discussion of purgatory, Marianism, and the like. That's my complaint. If these were important doctrinally, then where are they? "

Our argument is that they are in the oral Tradition of the Church which Scripture clearly states exist. The Scripture is clear that an oral handing on of truth also existed along side Scripture:

2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.