Ah, Metameta, I am so pleased to see that the hook is set.
You posit a false dichotomy, which baits the trap in which you find yourself ensnared. The answers to your questions are "both/and."
The key to all of this was discovered and set down by the Anglican Divine Richard Hooker in the late 16th Century. See his "Of the lawes of ecclesiasticall politie" in its complete Folger Library edition. Hooker explained that the source of all truth is located in the confluence of scripture, tradition and reason.
The "scripture" in the instant case is the works of Saint William Shakespeare, of Saint Thomas Cranmer and of the other giants of our language.
The "tradition" is in the interpretation of the sacred deposit laid down by such inspired souls as Saint H.W. Fowler, Saint E.B. White, Saint Edwin Newman and Saint William F. Buckley Jr. (on matters of language, not politics).
The "reason" is that which one brings to the dance. As the language evolves, one may participate in the process by drawing on the sacred writ, understanding the commentary thereon and then applying wit to find a defensible place in the muddle.
Dogma? Yes.
Inspiration? Yes.
Knowledge? Yes.
Method? Yes.
I remain at your service.
