While I don't yet know your opinion on seeking expert legal advice or seeking out specialists for serious medical problems, but don't you think it is just a little foolish to criticize anyone for seeking the input of some of the greatest minds in history when trying to understand the revealed Word of God? The Church doesn't exercise mind control and "tell Catholics what to believe" as some of the loonier Protestants assert, its role is to educate, guide and facilitate each of us in our individual paths to Salvation.
I really think your problem is not "that" Catholics get the valuable input, it is "who" we get it from.
HaHaHa...God doesn't reveal His truth to the greatest minds in history...God reveals His truth to the greatest HEARTS in history...