Re (3): doubting doubt

Thank you so much! I have many more ideas to ponder now, which I appreciate greatly because what got me started on this quest to understand the difference between Will vs. Intention was....of all things...the BTK killer! I certainly prefer to mull over the merits of your considered response than think any more about that guy..
But, I have to confess that he intrigued me. Why? Well, for one thing he "willed" and "intended" to do evil. That's sort of rare. Most bad guys make excuses, but,from the little I saw of BTK on TV, he didn't even attempt to rationalize, which I begrudgingly respected in a weird sort of way.
Also, prior to murdering one particular woman in some detestable way that I can't remember (Thank God), he said that he made an effort to comfort her because she was so upset. He patted her shoulder and brought her a glass of water!
What is going on here??? Was it compassion? Good manners? Did I glimpse God in the BTK killer?
And also...he was so freaking COLD! That scared me because I, at times, worry that I have a similar capacity within me. Not to kill people certainly...but sometimes I detect a hardness in my heart that I wish I didn't have. I hate it, but it is there. (If I could WILL it away, I would!)
I started wondering....what is the REAL difference between me and BTK ....is it a matter of degree? Social conditioning? Genetics?

Maybe. I'm not sure. But one thing I DO KNOW is that, despite any uncomfortable similarities, we definitely have vastly different intentions. Even if I for some reason wanted to hurt someone, I would WILL myself not to do it because my intention is otherwise. I yearn to be good, and direct my Will to fulfill that desire. I have done that most of my life and have, as you explained so well in your reply, developed a habit of virtue.
Why I have that longing for Goodness and BTK doesn't is a puzzlement, but I suspect that is one of those unanswerable or many-answerable questions that drives religious people nuts.
Anyway...I am so grateful for your response. I shall read it much more thoroughly when I get home from work tonight, but you have already deepened my thinking about these subjects.
Yesterday, I spent an hour or so investigating some of the links you referred to in your newsletter. I enjoyed being introduced to Christian thinkers such as Miethe and Craig and Plantinga. I read some of their debates with their equally intelligent Agnostic counterparts and it was so interesting. As usual, I found myself bouncing back and forth between them. Yes. He's right! Oh...no...He's right!
Thank goodness (interesting phrase?)I have both my Will and Intention to fall back upon! And also good internet friends like you.

Again, I am grateful for your reply, as well as your newsletter. I am so happy you are in my life... thank you thank you thank you.