Theistic Inclinations

[Neo-Scholastic]

You both speak as if belief is a choice, and not a consequence.

An analogy might help. You choose to enter a movie theater; seeing the movie is the consequence of that choice.

I didn't choose not to believe. I find it silly.

Similarly, contrition and repentance open you up to receive the Holy Spirit by means of the gospel.

But those suggest that you need to open yourself up to god, which implies that you already lean that way. I don't.

Let me give you an analogy.

You find yourself in  a  club where there are lots of men in backless chaps, but you are either aroused by them or your aren't.

You have to be "that way" inclined.

Maybe it is that way. I think Calvinists would say that you're either called to be part of the elect or you're not. I personally think that's a rather heartless position and like universalism a weak one. I would side with Sartre, people are 'condemned to be free.'