You: Perhaps faith is just a reaction to one's upbringing. When one hears fables often enough and wants to believe that they are true, might there not be an emotional reaction? This emotion might be particularly strong when the fables are told by those in authority such as parents or religious leaders.

Aaron: Faith does not come through practice, but through revelation. One's parents can steer one in the right direction, but only God can deliver the warmth that comes with true faith.

You: Don't you think that the children in Nazi Germany had faith in the supremacy of their race? They believed with all their hearts that God had chosen their people to dominate the world. Are you saying that this was not a social reaction but a revelation from God?

Aaron: Hitler was not God and children are easily deceived.

You: You are correct on both counts. But if children can be led into one false faith, then why not another? If society lies to us, tells us that there is a God, could not those lies develop into faith as they grew older.

Aaron: No. You are ignoring the difference between true and false faith. No matter what society says, no matter what one wishes to believe, when the truth of God's love is shown to you, you know in your heart that it is right.

You: You've been trying all afternoon to show me this truth and I haven't had any kind of revelation.

Aaron: That is because you have not opened your heart to the truth.

You: Why should I? For what reason should I ignore what my mind tells me and follow your religion with my emotions?