It depends on how you define "faith." By some definitions, there must be such an unbridgable gap, because those definitions exclude reason. Faith does not need to be defined that way, and ought not to be, if it is Bible faith that is meant.
I hope I have given no offense.
One's honest opinion should never offend anyone, and if anyone is offended by that, it is their fault. I cannot speak for others, but you have not been in the least offensive, but then, it's almost impossible to offend me short of using physical force. I wasn't even offended by your suggestion that I am a pagan, which I am not, although both betty boop and Alamo-Girl are pretty sure that I am.
I enjoyed your postings and they have provoked me to thought.
Likewise.
Hank
With regard to the cat-in-the-cupboard metaphor, from the Spiritual point-of-view, I assert that anyone can look but not everyone can see. Likewise anyone can listen but not everyone can hear.
The Bible is just text to those who read with the eyes, but to those who can and do read in the Spirit, it is alive. To one who cannot see, Jesus was a good man, but to those who can see, He is the Word of God made flesh.
We can use reason to encourage someone else to look or to listen, but the power to see and to hear is a gift of God.
On the other issue, I also believe it is possible for an atheist to live well and at peace with his neighbors. Good conduct is one of the results of Christian faith, but it is not the purpose of it.
The purpose is the restoration of the family of God, according to His will. What made it necessary is the banishment of man from the family for disobedience to His will. Willful disobedience cannot happen where there is absolute, unconditional love.
Hank, I don’t recall ever labeling you a “pagan.” I do not wish to judge you at all. But if you say something of yourself, I will take you at your word.