What role do deeply thought-out, esoteric doctrines play in our faith? A central role? A supporting role? A cameo role?

Do I perceive a pejorative description of "deeply thought-out, esoteric doctrines"? Can it be that there might be "deeply thought-out" or carefully reasoned doctrines that are not "esoteric" or even "intellectually formed" but only understood from the consistent testimony of scripture?

I would proffer first that the "deep things of God" which Paul refers to in 1 Cor 2:10 Now God has revealed them to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the deep things of God. (HCSB) are basically those things known to God and knowable to us (if at all) only by revelation (scripture), not by reason or investigation on the part of the natural man in the natural world. God's overall plans and actions are described with these terms (not our plans, beliefs, purposes or actions), particularly his work among the nations and his administration of justice.

In the verses below, Daniel referred to "deep and hidden things" that God reveals, referring to the meaning of the dream of the rise and fall of kingdoms, including the kingdom of God. Job referred to "the deep things of darkness" (not evil, but unseen) that God reveals, and was talking about the plans and power of men versus the plans and acts of God who has everything in hand. The Psalmist refers to the greatness of God's works and profundity of his thoughts, unknowable by the natural man (as Paul also said in the 1 Cor 2 passage). Note that after referring to the "deep things of God" searched by the Spirit in 1 Cor 2:10, Paul quoted Isa 40:13 in 2:16 (again, scripture below). The deep things of God there are the things God alone knew how to do, and that we know of only by revelation. Paul also quoted Isa 40:13 in Rom 11:34 (below) where he concludes his discussion of God's purposes in mercy to the gentiles and his love for the Jews. In that section of Romans Paul has discussed the idea of "the potter and the clay" in which he assures us that there are things (perhaps many things) that we have to accept from God without necessarily being able to reason why or how, because indeed his "judgments" are "unsearchable."

Dan 2:21-23
21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."
NIV

Job 12:22-23
22 He reveals the deep things of darkness
and brings deep shadows into the light.
23 He makes nations great, and destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and disperses them.
NIV

Ps 92:4-7
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
5 How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!
6 The senseless man does not know,
fools do not understand,
7 that though the wicked spring up like grass
and all evildoers flourish,
they will be forever destroyed.
NIV

Isa 40:12-14
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD,
or instructed him as his counselor?
14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge
or showed him the path of understanding?
NIV

Rom 11:33-36
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
35 "Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
NIV

The deep things of God are not things reasoned out by men. The other question asked is compound -- because "deeply thought-out" doctrines are not necessarily "esoteric" doctrines. In the language used, deeply thought out doctrines should play a central role in our faith. Recall the effective strength of the gospel message in Berea (see below), which is attributed to the eager reception and scrutiny of scripture by the Berean Jews. The doctrines they accepted were deeply thought out. Christians too are reminded to search the scriptures and consider their doctrines and examples. We are enjoined to test and examine (in terms of God's will) what we approve and practice (Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:10, 17, 1 Peter 2:3). So, deeply thought out doctrines should be at the core of Christian faith and behavior. What is consistently taught, exemplified and affirmed in scripture can be confidently affirmed and followed by Christians, and should certainly be deeply thought out. On the other hand, in a Biblical frame of reference, while gnostic doctrines were esoteric (ie Col 2:18 or Rev 2:24), those things openly taught by word or letter by the apostles and prophets cannot be described as esoteric (2 Thess 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. NIV)

Acts 17:11-12a
11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed,
NASU