I believe God has protected plenty of His written Word for us to establish and maintain a close relationship with Him.
I'm extremely skeptical that relatively obscure docs here and there are going to be that crucial in the lives of that many believers between now and eternity. I don't think God makes it difficult in a way that only the super smart and great researchers can ferret such things out.
"I believe God has protected plenty of His written Word for us to establish and maintain a close relationship with Him."
I don't. I put my faith in God but I know that man can screw up anything and God isn't going to stop us - He has given us that freedom. Anyways, the bible may contain some of God's words but it is not the Word of God. It is a book written and compiled by men probably no less failable than you or me.
"I don't think God makes it difficult in a way that only the super smart and great researchers can ferret such things out."
Actually, I think most things can be "ferreted" out by prayer. Prayer, a bit of reason and most importantly grace are necessary. Anyways, whose said that the spiritual life is easy? Jesus and his disciples certainly didn't have an easy time of it. Maybe God really expects us to do some work too? Not just to nod our heads, lift our hands and say "I believe!" Any fool can believe. Who loves God without cause or condition while knowing full well that he or she really knows nothing with certainty of His plan for us? Such is the kingdom of Heaven in my opinion.