[betty boop]

I've noticed this many times: atheists and believers can't find a mutually-agreed upon starting point. Literally, we don't even agree on how to begin. I think this is why the phrase "leap of faith" is so important. One does not move logically into faith.

Oh so true, A_perfect_lady! If logic is the road, then, as they say down Maine, "Yuh cain't get they-ah from hee-yah." Translation: "You can't get 'there' from 'here'" on the basis of logic alone.

But then, why should you expect to in the first place?

I sense a little frustration on your part at this point. Perfectly understandable, but I wouldn't worry about it too much if I were you.

If you keep an open mind, and an open heart, the answers you need will come. Even if you're not entirely clear on the questions right now.

It has been said that, in the life of every incarnate soul, at least one experience of divine transcendence will occur during its lifetime. This is the gift of God to every soul. What the soul then does with the experience is up to the soul.

God does not "compel." He LOVES. (And I do believe that He wants us to love Him back.... )

Thank you so very much, A_perfect_lady, for sharing your thoughts with me.

[A_perfect_lady]

If you keep an open mind, and an open heart, the answers you need will come. Even if you're not entirely clear on the questions right now.

But that's the thing: I don't have any questions. Seriously, I don't. I understand the world. I understand why things happen.