And I attempted to answer your question there
Not sure if I would have succeeded, so I'll add here that when someone believes in something no amount of proof, debate, or persuasion will change that unless that person is ready to change their beliefs; in the same way when someone
doesn't believe something and has a conviction around that topic, the proof has to be solid and incontravertible to change their mind.
Jenna S - I liked your point about "making" yourself believe something. That was my childhood when I was told I would go to hell if I didn't believe, so I tried to
make myself believe. It's hard work, actually, and not a lot of fun, especially for a confused child and teenager. You may understand what I mean when I say, when I finally accepted the truth I felt the most overwhelming relief and freedom, and hope and excitement for a future that didn't involve lying to and deluding myself.