[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

YOU SAID: " Personally, I don't mind saying that I follow the teachings of the fathers. As a Protestant I'm free to pick and choose what I want to believe from their writings. Their writings are not inspired. It does not measure up to the scriptures. It is no different than if I picked up a concordance to use as reference material. If something doesn't make sense from a scriptural point of view, then I don't have to accept it. The scriptures are the baseline for all truth. But the writings are like going to Sunday School and listening to what others might say. "

RESPONSE: Yes I agree. Further, both our Catholic friends and some Protestants forget that even a layman who prayerfully and with faith seeks guidance in interpretation of scripture will eventually personally receive such guidance from the Lord himself-as promised. In this limited sense everyman is a priest. In addition, the faithful in talking among themselves can arrive at a valid reliable interpretation of scriptural points. The Christians must have patience as they discuss scriptural interpretation among themselves. Lastly, there are canons of interpretation to help guide the layman.

[HarleyD]

The Christians must have patience as they discuss scriptural interpretation among themselves.

Just start talking about one of the five items of the TULIP and the Lord will bless you bountifully with all sorts of trials for you to practice patience. :O)

As far as Orthodox Presbyterian, I'm not far from that view myself.