Perhaps we can separate the thought that one has no personal knowledge of God, from the decision to actively disbelieve all men everywhere who witness to His existence. It strikes me that should several of my friends tell someone I don't know about me, he would have no trouble accepting my existence. Now, accepting some of the things I say, well that's a different story.

But I think, for the Church, there is a sufficient belief, one that is essentially a belief in the reports. Much of the American Protestant scene insists on personal relationship and personal belief- an admirable goal perhaps, but it isn't a starting point, nor does obedience flow particularly well from it, for good men can become confused and assume they aren't being good Christians if they aren't arguing about something.

Anyway, if someone is having the sense of no personal knowledge of God, and is feeling somewhat dishonest by continuing to live as if he did believe in God, perhaps, he can regain a sense of integrity and stay within the Church if he is aware that he can choose to believe the reports and submit to authority, rather than assume responsibility for the whole thing all by himself.

Similarly, young people need to understand it is reasonable that they believe such reports; indeed, they base most everything from what they wear to life changing decisions on much less. There must first be a foundation upon which a personal relationship actually can be built.