How we know

I have been reading with interest some of the posts here. I have formal education undergrad and seminary, have pastored for 15 years, became a Christian some 32 years ago in a California State Prison.
I would like to see if anyone is interested in discussing the real issues.
For instance, the issue of "How We Know." This is epistemology. Another question is one of Authority. Is my authority myself, the Bible, another teacher, etc.
There is way too much fuzzy thinking. For instance, one post says, I think the NT is the product of a man with an agenda. Then the poster goes on to quote from all over the Bible about what Jesus and God say. You can't have it both ways. If you reject the accuracy of the Bible, then it can't be quoted to bolster your position.
We must understand each other's position on epistemology and authority before any intelligent discussion about anything can ensue. One accepts only the scientific method, another intuition, another devine revelation, etc. We will all just argue with no understanding until these fundamental issues are clear.
I'm afraid most have never examined these questions and don't understand their own position. It would be interesting to see if there are any who do, and if people are willing to go beyond "this is what I believe" and the pop religion of tolerance to investigate "How did I come to my position? What sources of authority do I use to validate my position?" This will take the issues beyond personal belief in a search for truth, and why I believe what I do and how I arrived at that belief.