[Notwithstanding]

Sort of like teaching yourself Spanish using a textbook, but with no Spanish speakers around to show you how its done.

[taxcontrol]

Well if Christ and the Apostles were still here to hear their teachings directly, I'd be more than happy to do so.

What we have left are the Scriptures as the definitive source... all other is some man interpreting the scripture and trying to push his view on to me. And often I find what is being pushed is either not supported by the scripture or is totally out of context and at best is little more than trying to stretch the scripture to meet their ideas.

When it is backed by scripture, I accept the teaching, when it is not, I at most, consider the teaching but do not accept it as doctrine.