> I believe as I do because it is an essential part of who I am (identity).

Interesting. I do not think I've heard someone put it quite like that before. I find it quite bizarre and circular:

"I believe in X because I define myself as a person who believes in X, and therefore not believing in X means I lose my identity, therefore I believe in X"

So it's literally impossible for you to stop believing in anything, no matter how ridiculous, without losing your entire sense of self. Kind of defined yourself into a corner there, eh?