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Don't want to get into the weeds with that argument. But what I'd like to know is...why, if Scripture is self-sufficient, am I NOT ALLOWED to believe in the Real Presence when I read it in the plain sense of Scripture? I have made a very close study of it and I am convinced that the Reformers were dead wrong on this point.

If you *really* believe in Sola Scriptura, you must, perforce, admit my right to believe in the Real Presence from the Scriptures.

Well, you have the right to believe anything you want. And I think close study of the issue is all to the good. My thought, though, is that it is not Church tradition that should guide the study, but theHoly Spirit.

Not saying that you're wrong, just that I think that you are. Could be me that is wrong. But be that as it may, IMO, the important thing is to accept Christ as Savior and be baptised. This latter not as a condition of salvation, but in obedience to our Lord's command.

Every, and I mean every, other theological point is secondary to requirement to repent of your sin and accept Christ as Savior. If not, how can an illeterate be saved? By accepting Church tradition?

Suppose he is led away from truth by an apostate or heretical priest, such as those who gave "lberation theology"?

My thought, though, is that it is not Church tradition that should guide the study, but theHoly Spirit.

Actually it should be both!

All that "Church tradition" is, is the accumulated wisdom of many Christians who have been inspired by the Holy Spirit from the beginning of the Church until now.

Like say your pastor said X. And everyone else said Y. You'd wonder if your pastor was a bit off, right? But if your pastor and every other pastor said X, then you'd feel pretty good about believing X because you'd be in good company with people you trust.

When you see tradition as not so much a dogma passed down from on high, but as really just a bunch of Holy-Spirit-inspired people all saying X together....then it makes sense why people should not be too eager to go out on a limb and say Y.

If not, how can an illeterate be saved? By accepting Church tradition?

No, any more than he can by simply reading the Bible. It's the child-like acceptance of the Lord that is at the heart of salvation. Love, not theology.

Suppose he is led away from truth by an apostate or heretical priest, such as those who gave "lberation theology"?

People will not be judged for something that was not their fault. "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin." - John 15:22