Human reason seems to always be eliminated by revelation.
If your method for deciding differences is by on reasoned debate, you can't eliminate human reason and still maintain it as a valid method. You could argue what a particular revelation is or means, but not bring in one's own revelation as a deus ex machina when at a loss for reasons to support one's thesis.
My point here was to point out that there is first the decision on scripture, then the decision on interpretation, then the difference on meaning that is then decided by the method of reason/logic.
The other, I think important, thing to note here is that this method of deriving theology adds another requirement, a fairly high level of competency in formal logic. (Else bad reason, or fallacies, can easily win the argument invalidating the result.)
for most people the simple gospel of believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved and your house is about as far as they get in their life. .
Isn't that a violation of your previous position that it was every Christian's task to " determine what is scripture or revelation, what is the correct translation and meaning of same and from this what are the correct beliefs "?
I'm not clear now where you stand on the question. If, for example, "they are fervent in that belief" because it's what their teachers taught them and what their family and social group support, aren't they then relying on others, going with the crowd, etc?
Is each tasked to arrive at their own beliefs as you do or not?
No, I dont think it is. Not all are called to the same purpose. Some are given different talents than others. Not all have been given the same desires or skills. Not all are called to leadership of other positions.
>>If, for example, "they are fervent in that belief" because it's what their teachers taught them and what their family and social group support, aren't they then relying on others, going with the crowd, etc?<<
Yes they are and its a dangerous place to be. One needs only look at the obvious examples of Waco, Jerry Jones etc. They werent putting their faith in Jesus as much as they were the leaders. I believe its the same with Catholics and many Protestants or of any faith for that matter. The put their full faith and trust in what the leadership is telling them.
BTW It's midnight here and I'm heading to bed. I enjoyed the discussion.