I am saddened that my genuine interest in truth is perceived as willful ignorance because it does not match one's world view expectations

Not because it doesn't match MY expectations, as if I am the decider of truth (naturalists think in these terms), but because of what Jesus said. He said those who refuse to come into the light, do so because they love darkness, not because they didn't know the light existed. Here is what he said about faith:

John 3:16-21 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.'

And this isn't a condemnation of one person (I didn't mention anyone in particular), but of all men. We are all prone to this self validation, but Jesus has provided a way out. But we cannot realize we needing saving until we realize we are sinners who need forgiveness. In my own experience, I found that the more I acknowledged my wrongdoing, the closer God became. While when I kept sinning, he becomes distant to the point where it didn't seem like he was there anymore. I think sin effects our perception more than we think it does. But we all have our own personal journeys. I sincerely hope your quest for truth is successful, my friend. If you ever run into a time in your life where your endeavors falls flat, I would encourage you to consider Jesus at that time.

John 9:39-41 'Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."

Matthew 11:28-30 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. '