I don't know the answers to your questions. I think they're valid, though, and I have struggled with them myself while being a PCUSA member. For what it's worth, my own opinion is that some abuse the doctrine of the "priesthood of the believer" to justify many doctrinal positions that more conservative PCUSA members do not endorse. <br><br>I hope you don't take offense with this, because none is intended: I really want some help with my original question and hope we can leave such matters to another discussion thread.<br><br>---Cecil (who really does appreciate what your point is!)