Hello MassGuy - I also appreciate & understand logic. I have a degree in science.
Having said that, that doesn't preclude my hope & absolute belief in the supernatural.
IME, the supernatural can sometimes supersede the logical. I'm blessed (as well as cursed) to have experienced those times when a Higher Power has intervened.
My daughter's life was saved due to a Higher Power when she was kidnapped by her Ex. My beloved daughter is alive due to the miraculous combination of technology and Angels.
I will always believe in Divine Intervention, no matter what anyone says to me to the contrary. My daughter and I have lived it. No one will ever tell us otherwise.
I’m not discounting that, just saying that something like that occurring is far less likely than what almost certainly occurred.
Hope is one thing, but reality is another thing entirely.
Everyone wants her to be alive, but the odds are stacked against that.
I know that. I'm just asking for Hope, even when we might be believing against hope.
Can we still hope against all hope? I think we can.
Sure. But the danger is getting our hopes up.
So hope, but recognize the probabilities at the same time.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Interesting and "spirited" debate the 2 of you are having...thank you for giving us all such great food for thought!
I actually fully appreciate both perspectives and believe both of your viewpoints are so important, and so true.
OTOH: Faith, Hope, and Love: Who can argue against those?
Certainly not me. (And I suspect not the person with the Good Shepherd avatar, either).
OTOH: Facts. Logic. Reason. Who can argue against those, either?
We have minds. We're intended to use them.
Human beings are complex and multi-faceted.
It really comes down to the old, "Does your head rule your heart or your heart rule your head?" question.
Personally, I think it depends on the situation.
In this particular situation, I think it's wise to look at the circumstances around BT's disappearance and use our critical thinking skills.
I think in looking at this case, it's important to stay grounded in reality, and to review and examine the known facts in a logical manner.
In the absence of proof, there's always hope.
In the absence of proof, there's always logic, too.
The two aren't mutually exclusive, and they certainly aren't contradictory.
Faith and Reason can, and do, in fact, co-exist...it's a beautiful thang.
Almost makes me want to break out my Karaoke machine, and sing Kumbaya.
JMO.