Actually Dave, I agree with you.

The same could be said about anything or theory that one subscribes to.
Now when the evidence comes in to support whatever experience the 'believer' embraces, then believing turns to 'knowing'...as long as it is received in wonderment, and not just supporting a preconceived bias... either way. The observer would then tend to color the information, and not look at it objectively.

There are people who have had experiences that when they 'relay' it to another, that they can not 'prove' to the listener...other than the claim that he/she experienced it.

Experiences are far more personally embraced, than even reading a good book..because one you learn 'about' something..the other, you become one with it.

Regards,

GfS