In my first year of rabbinical school (round 1) I was asked the following question in regards to an argument that I had made, basically along all the lines of your thoughts above. So now I turn it to you.

How is what you describe any different than much of the Conservative Movement’s theology? Isn’t the theological underpinning of Reform the fact that autonomy does negate the need for textual authority within the tradition.

On the other hand, you sound a lot like R. Washofsky, which ain’t too bad a thing. On the other hand, that can be a very lonely soap box on which to stand. Trust me.

On the other hand, I’ve already written too much. That is all.