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Thank you for the ping to your sidebar conversation!

Actually, Alamo-Girl might have some good references from our perspective.

Truly, I have but two references and both of them are Scripture. The power of God is Himself and He is not subject to any institutions of man – thus I personally eschew all the doctrines and traditions of men (Mark 7:7), including claims of authority by succession, appointment, education or credentials of men.

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I [am] of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. – I Cor 3:1-7

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. - Jer 2:13

In sum, for me the history of Christianity and the origin of the ancient manuscripts which constitute Scripture are no more than interesting commentary because the authenticity of Scripture - and the wisdom of men - are confirmed personally by the indwelling Spirit. Nothing else is needful for me.