"in the hard sciences we quanlify everything"
Significant changes in understanding are almost universally rejected within a field at first. Then ridiculed. Then they gradually gain acceptance until they become widely upheld. Those who are locked into a view - while clamining to be objective and only interested in truth - seem the most opposed to changes in understanding. And most opposed to considering alternative explanations.
Unfortunately, we as humans have a difficult time gaining perspective from within a system, point of view, or belief. It threatens us. I believe this is why CHANGE typically comes from outsiders who have little to lose by creating a disturbance and withstanding the ridicule.
Nowhere is this principle more easily seen these days then with those scientists who have made evolution a tennant of faith. They walk along like a character in a movie saying, "I don't believe in spooks, I don't believe in spooks, I don't believe in spooks." It reassures them of the comfort of their own beliefs. By refusing to examine other alternatives, they are reinforced in their own world view. By clinging to a hardened set of "facts", they protect themselves from the sobering realization that they are accountable - that God exists and he isn't silent.
To shift metaphors, belief in evolution is not much different than football. During the first three downs, the evolutionist slaps the ball down anywhere, but on the fourth down, he wants to bring out scientific measurement to prove a point. Unfortunately, those first downs are assumptions that are unfounded. BUT THEY ARE WONDERFULLY COMFORTING. Based on those assumptions, the last down matters little - except to confirm what is already believed.
While I have no thought of shifting your belief system, the topic is worthy of discussion. I wish you the best.