I always respected you as a person Steve. Even though we haven't seen each other more then 2-3 times in the last 17 or so years I suspect that you grew up to be the kind of man that you seemed to be pointing towards becoming in your youth. You never seemed judgmental, nor did it seem like you weren't seeing others for who they were. You dipped your toe into a different life enough to have an idea about what life outside the church might be like (at least what life would be like for a young man).

Seems like you aren't having a crises of faith as much as you are asking honest questions that any rational person should ask themselves from time to time. I always figured that there were things you valued about the Mormon religion and the way it interlaced with your family life that kept you in. Maybe it does just come down to faith, but I think if you didn't find value in the lifestyle you would lose your faith. I suspect that you are the kind of person that would find something to have faith in if you left the Mormon church.

The fact that you have had so many close relationships with us heathens always impresses me. The way you conducted yourself with good natured fun and respect toward all people made your faith a non-issue for me. You are the least dogmatic, preachy, judgmental member of a fundamentalist church I have even known. I think the core of who you are is greater then your religious affiliation. You would be an interesting, friendly, kind, inquiring person no matter what way or walk of life you decided to take.