The Bible is, as we say, the deposit of faith, the earth out of which faith grows. But if there is anything that is clear, the Scriptures were written down anonymously for the most part, by the disciples or Christ or their disciples, and only gradually collected over a period of two centures. The vast majority of Christians never owned, never saw, and probably never heard the whole book. What part they heard was in Church and always as interpreted by clerics. What they heard was never separated from the rest of tradition--that which was handed down from the first believers. The divisions in the Church, which were there from the earliest days, were always about what it was that was handed down. So if the Scriptures are a touchstone, they are also and always part of the debate. What WAS Scripture? What about Hebrews, what about Revelations, what about James, etc. What about Gospels other than the Four?
Robby, let me compliment you on your fine post. This is one of the finest statements of your belief I've read.
Needless to say I disagree with you, but at least you gave a clear concise explanation of what it is I disagree with.
Thank you for your effort.
JH
Thank you for the compliment.