Dear Prudence,

My family is composed entirely of devout Christians, and I was one for the first 30 years of my life. I earned undergraduate and graduate theology degrees, though my career is in a different field. I’ve been extremely active in church leadership. I married a wonderful Christian woman. Unbeknownst to any of my friends and family, two years ago I came to the realization that I no longer believe in God. While I am at peace with the existential implications of this realization, I am devastated by its practical implications. My loss of faith could be shattering for just about every close relationship I have. I continue to believe that religion brings the potential for a great many good things. I could probably continue going through the motions, except that I believe in morality and honesty, and I hate pretending to be something that I’m not. It would be very hurtful for my wife to hear about my loss of faith, but it might be even more damaging for me to continue lying. Should I maintain my secret as long as possible in the hopes that it never becomes necessary to reveal it?...

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