If you are part of a religion that very strongly insists that you believe then to decide not to do that is quite a big hurdle to jump over. You never forget the thought process you went through. It becomes part of your whole intellectual picture.
I'd rather be two strokes ahead going into the last day than two strokes behind. Having said that it's probably easier to win coming from behind. There is no fear in chasing. There is fear in being chased.