Intanet, I agree with your idea of self responsibility, and finding your own truth. I admire people who research and think critically about all belief systems. Taking your beliefs from others, (however well meaning they might be), is like having someone pre-chew your food for you.
My Mum used to say that she wanted to teach her children how to think, not teach them what to think. I use this saying of hers as a test for all new information. I ask myself, is the person giving me this information trying to tell me what I should believe?