Hope versus Certainty

What should someone do if they want to believe that God is real, and loves them, but ultimately don't know for sure? Would it be dishonest to participate in Catholicism in the hope that it is true rather than the certain belief that it is true?

And, well, I mostly mean the "positive" parts of Christianity. Should someone want to believe that hell is real and many people go to it? It feels good to pray for mercy and the salvation of all, not to contemplate the alternative.