[Dr. Eckleburg]

neither one of us is claiming the Holy Ghost is indwelling a nonbeliever.

Very true, but every child of God was named by Him from before the foundation of the world. He knows every one of His, and at a time of His choosing, they will know Him.

I think Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit is leading Christ's flock every day of their lives, into and out of sickness and disbelief and anger and fear. Because eventually, by the will and purpose of God, His sheep are lead through these trials and into "the light of the world" (John 8:12).

It's the Holy Spirit who compels our belief. To deny this, as so many do, is to deny the Holy Spirit.

[wmfights]

..but every child of God was named by Him from before the foundation of the world. He knows every one of His, and at a time of His choosing, they will know Him.

You will never get an argument from me about this. It seems pretty clear to me that only a man centered theology would claim that they control when, where, and how the Holy Ghost will indwell a Christian.

...eventually, by the will and purpose of God, His sheep are lead through these trials and into "the light of the world" (John 8:12).

Amen.

Concerning children I have the faith you do "because God gave them to me".