> You're right, in that I probably should talk face-to-face with someone who is "spiritually mature." However, anyone I know who can have that kind of conversation with me thinks that I'm already a devout Christian, and I know that they would be devastated if they found out that I had "lost my way."

I really think this is a poor reason not to consult with such a person. Basically what you're saying is you're going to continue to essentially lie, if not in word than in deed, to these people by continuing the face of your earlier lifestyle.

But if you really don't want to bring this up with anybody you know, that's exactly why I suggested finding someone you don't know. There are an incredible number of pastors and such like out there with doors open to anybody, strangers or no.

> I understand completely why you would say that either I'm still a Christian or I never was. However, I disagree. At its very core, Christianity boils down to a set of beliefs.

It doesn't, which is why I made that point. Whether you're a Christian or not is something God does, not you do by simply believing. Yes, belief is a component of saving faith, which is what prompts God to make that transformation in you, but my point is that either that has happened or it has not. If you cease to believe in God, maybe you never had that saving faith and God never transformed you spiritually. Or, alternately, you are still a Christian and have now deluded yourself. I would sooner guess the former, as I question whether the latter is even possible.

In any case, belief alone does not make you a Christian. "The devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)

> In another post, you said that either the Holy Spirit dwells in me or it does not . . . . However, from a Christian point of view, is it not possible that the Holy Spirit once dwelled in me, but that it has been forced out by all the worldly things that I've been taking in, and I have thus lost my salvation? It seems as if that is how most Christians would interpret my situation.

Some would, but I believe a solidly compelling case can be made from looking at what the Bible has to say on the subject that it is simply not possible to lose one's salvation. Philippians 1:6 is pertinent here -- "he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ." This, however, is a complex topic, which encompasses more issues than it first seems. Since this is tangential to the matter at hand, I won't delve more deeply into it.