what do you think of the statements of apologists that a person cannot use his own reason to examine God?

that would be stupid . if you didn't use reason you would be basing your beliefs on feelings, a holy book or the word of others or delusions.In that case any belief would be equally valid

However some think they have reason to believe.

It is dangerous when someone makes themselves the moral authority because then you have relativism and subjectivism. That's why there are 20,000 denominations in Christianity. Each person that started his own church believed the same thing as you.

Jesus established one church that is guided by the holy spirit, and this church also made the bible.

Why is the bible considered by many to be such a holy spirit filled book? Because the bishops that made it also were.

Reason is great to understand the natural world, but spiritual texts are different. The bible is 1000x more complex than some people realize. It takes years of training and the holy spirit to understand fully. Can an average man read the bible and understand a good portion of it? Yes. but most will not pick up on subtle prophecy, allegory, foreshadowing, etc.

It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. One thing that you need to understand first and foremost is that Roman Catholicism is a sun-worshipping religion upon close examination. This isn't going to be obvious at first. But, the ritual is purely pagan and the images are biblically forbidden. Catholicism is a lie from the pit of hell.

I don't take the word of any man when it comes to my faith.

Religious blindness is dispensed to those who wish it.

John 5:42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

' a person cannot use his own reason to examine God '

how does one examine a God that one does not see ... nor hear .

tis why God gave the 10 commandments WRITTEN in stone ... to the human race thru the jews.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

dividing asunder of soul and spirit

indeed, no one comes to God as a hypocrite ... you can't walk thru the gates of heaven .

sincerity in every relationship ... no hypocrites who come w open palms to be filled w $$$ will enter the gates of heaven.

That is just their way of admitting that god makes no sense, and urging the rubes to stop thinking.