Sons

I don't think deductive reasoning will be useful in this case. I would say things just are a certain way. Paul says we have the mind of Christ. The guy in Romans logically deduces "Why does God find fault because he opens and closes the hearts of whomever he wills". Paul's response is not that that's not true, because he was arguing exactly that case, but rather that question is not a valid question. It makes sense logically and reasonably but it's not a legitamate question to ask. "Will the pot say to the potter, why have you made me thus". There's definitely a flavour of that in this because it's purely spiritual. (unlike Shroud of Turin, Evolution, Biblical Chronology which have hard data which can be more easily debated)

Paul encourages all Christians to agree. He tells us to have the same mind as him about things. I don't think it's a question of elite or not elite simply that he knew what the truth was. I don't have a reference but I could find where he says if they don't agree with him then have nothing to do with them. Obviously there was lots of division since day one but Paul never agreed with that kind of difference of opinion. If we all saw the universe as Jesus sees it, then there would be perfect agreement. We wouldn't be the same but we would have the same perspective as to what is going on. That's what Christians should strive for.

From the time you're born you are being thrown information. I have a hard time believing you can distinguish the sources of your "inner" knowledge as opposed to what developed in you from input from other sources. At a very early age you become what you see around you without any conscious choice or discernment. I don't think you can splice that up later in life and say you know such and such because you are a human and it's innate to our race as opposed to someone told me this and it went into my subconcious without any filters. Of course I believe the Holy Spirit is an exception because that knowledge runs counter to all natural knowledge. It is foolish from the natural perspective.

I think the issue is critical because it affects every second of every day and all relationships. Dave was the first person who spoke on spirtual issues with authority and this perspective was underlying that expression. I believe the main reason people marvelled at Christ at their initial encounter was exactly this, he spoke with authority (not like the scribes and Pharasee) It's also the difference between the guy who trys to cast a demon out and the demon says, I know Paul and I know Jesus but who are you. That being said I don't think it's profitable to continue rehashing an issue that is not making any headway. Not that I would know when or why or how that would take place which is why I am reluctant to draw any lines in the sand.

Since my spiritual life began, developed and to this day hinges on this doctrine it makes sense that I would have a lot to say on it. I think it's the fundamental issue that the church has stumbled over and the early church fought over. It runs parallel to Nygren's "Agape and Eros" in that the church has opted for the Platonic Eros as opposed to the Godly Agape. And it's in the love of God that this make perfect spiritual sense. We are sons and cry daddy, daddy with confidence. For freedom Christ has set us free.