The Word is my authoritative doctrine. I don't try to interpret it too deeply, I just read what it says. If I don't understand, I seek instruction from those who understand the history behind the text. But whatever those teachers say must be weighed against the rest of the Word. I do not trust men blindly.
Except yourself, of course.
In the end, I will answer to God for the way I followed or failed to follow His Word. I choose not to place my salvation in the hands of sinners like myself. I put it squarely in the Lord's hands.
You at first admitted to having a lens through which you viewed Scripture. no you seem to be backing off from this. Which is it? Do you have a lens, or do you "just read what it says?"
Why does this "I don't try to interpret it too deeply" and "I choose not to place my salvation in the hands of sinners like myself." sound to me like the servant who buried the talent, in fear of losing it?
In order for the Written Word to have any impact on you, you must rely on a sinful man --- yourself. I thought you realized that.
The question then becomes if you are the best sinful man to rely on, or if there is evidence of other men being placed in charge.
SD
SD