There is no doubt at all that the Holy Scriptures existed long before there even was a "catholic" church and that the additional books that were added to this body of sacred writings by the Apostles themselves proves to us that God certainly DID have a purpose for what is called the "Bible". Repeatedly in Scripture we find God reminding and rebuking believers to follow what He has said. God's word is to be a "lamp unto our feet and a light onto our path" so I hardly believe He would have relinquished this role to fallible, sinful, human men who do not have the ability, in and of themselves, to even know what is divinely-revealed much less THE truth.
If you think about it, if God intended a human institution to be the cornerstone and rock of our faith, then why even bother with inspired scripture? Those who insist that "their" church is the "true" church and whatever their leaders deem is of the faith (de fide) just is so, will withstand forcefully anything that might upset the applecart. Appeal is often made to those church fathers which Roman Catholicism and Orthodox churches look to who were mostly bishops writing during the first eight centuries of the Christian church, though some were laymen, and may include a few women. They are small potatoes compared to the actual Apostles and disciples who walked with Jesus and personally heard His teachings as well as being led by the Holy Spirit, himself, to write the words that comprise the New Testament.
So, who should we rely upon to tell us what is truth and what is man made tradition? How could we know what we are supposed to believe versus what has developed over centuries as various philosophies and cultural changes crept into the body of believers and influenced theological thought? Can we really believe God is unchanging and His truth is eternal or must we swallow what church "leaders" figured out after years of argument, discussion and compromise? I hold to the truth of Scripture because it doesn't change. It is not dependent upon human will or whims. It IS truth and truth is absolute, not relative, not conditional.
Of course, some will say we cannot know what the Bible means unless we have a magesterium there to explain it to us. But even people like our FRiend Ravenwolf can read the word and need not a degree in Theology or Biblical languages to grasp the truth God wants relayed. It takes a heart open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and a sincere desire to know the Lord. It takes faith, without which it is impossible to please God, and God WILL reward those who diligently seek Him. Understanding the deep truths of the Christian faith is a life-long endeavor but the basics - what must I do to be saved - is simple enough that a child can understand it. This child-like faith forms the foundation upon which a full and rich life following Christ builds.
Again, thank you for your kind words. God bless you as you journey on this narrow road to Life.
Thanks boatbums, you said it much better than i could.