You two are emblematic of the fact that American-style Fundamentalist low-church Protestantism and the ancient liturgical high churches have absolutely nothing in common whatsoever. Nothing. They are two different religions. One has roots and the other doesn't; one makes sense and the other doesn't.
I once read on an Eastern Orthodox site that the Orthodox Church really doesn't have a bible at all. And you know, that's true. The Bible is simply not important to the historical chrstian churches. The "Bible preaching" encountered in American low-church Protestantism didn't exist until American low-church Protestantism existed.
I have often argued with Protestants on this site that "Bible Protestantism" has absolutely no roots in the ancient chrstian past at all. And it doesn't. All one has to do is to read the very earliest (pre-Constantine) fathers to see that they got their religion from their church and not from a bible. The idea that there was once an ancient American low-church Protestant which was the true chrstianity from its foundation until 313 is one of the most ridiculous myths in existence. But people can't give it up because the worldview of American low-church Protestantism cannot be transferred to any of the ancient churches. It has to be completely rejected before anyone can embrace true historical chrstianity. For example, only low-church Protestantism offers absolute assurance of salvation through a legal loophole rather than through mystical incorporation into a church and participation in its rituals and ceremonies (and good works). Since the ancient churches cannot set one's mind at ease, there are people who are simply unable to embrace them. American low-church Protestantism is true because it has to be (else everyone is going to Hell), not because it actually existed historically.
However, my attempts to make Protestants see reality is in no way an endorsement of actual historical chrstianity. Far from it. When one sees how utterly alien actual chrstianity is, when one sees it does nothing but replace a Biblical ritual, ceremonial, and legal code with a post-Biblical one . . . there is only one conclusion. Chrstianity has never been a Biblical religion. The only truly Biblical religion is Torah Judaism, the religion founded by G-d Himself (and not by a prophet or a messiah) and which was practiced until chrstianity usurped its place, remains the only place to turn. Unlike historical chrstianity, there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever about the Biblical, and Divine, origin of Judaism. And furthermore, it is much more of a "book religion" than chrstianity ever was (until people invented a "Biblical chrstianity").
I want you all to notice something. The ancient chrstian churches constantly compare "Bible Protestantism" to islam, partly because the charge is so emotionally hurtful to its (very anti-islamic) targets. You never hear them compare it to Judaism, do you? That's because it would be taken as a compliment, and the intention of the people making the charge is to cause emotional pain. Traditionally, the Torah precedes the created universe. It was written by G-d 974 generations before creation in letters of black fire on a scroll of white fire. It was dictated to Moses (an idea liturgical chrstianity considers heretical) letter-for-letter. It is written on special scrolls according to complex rules and laws to ensure its exact and correct transmission, so that every kosher Torah Scroll is identical to those written by Moses and given to the Tribes before his death. Even what appear to be "mistakes" must be carefully preserved and never corrected. This assures us that no change has ever been made in the kosher text.
I am not advocating conversion to Judaism itself here (which isn't for everyone), but rather to the Noahide Laws which is the true religion for all non-Jews. However, like every other religion in existence except for low-church Protestantism, it doesn't assure salvation. And that is the reason most of you will cling to "Bible Protestantism" until you die. The need for assurance outweighs all historical facts.
Finally, while the ancient churches didn't invent radical Biblical criticism, you can see that it fits them like a glove. Small wonder they have all but universally adopted it as dogma. I suppose if radical Protestants hadn't invented it, the ancient churches themselves would have eventually. They are simply too unrelentingly hostile to the Hebrew Bible, which gives the lie to all their claims.
May it be G-d's will that these words help someone.
I’m sure glad that the Jews never split up into differing belief systems and practices!