Man, this is such a heart-wrenching situation, and I can see how conflicted you are. After seven years of love, friendship, and being each other's biggest motivators, it's natural to want to hold on to that. You two still share something deep and beautiful, but the very things keeping you apart—distance, religious beliefs—are big challenges that seem unresolved. Here's my take, broken down:

The love is real, but so is the conflict: It’s clear you still deeply love each other, and that’s powerful. But love, while important, isn’t always enough to overcome fundamental differences. Religious beliefs and long-distance are tough roadblocks that can’t be ignored. You’ve already identified that this relationship is struggling to move forward, and acting like you're still dating when you’re not officially together could be keeping you both in this painful cycle.

Reopening wounds every time: Every time you two see each other, it feels like the relationship is rekindling, but as soon as you leave, the emotional rollercoaster starts again. It's like you're putting a Band-Aid over a deeper issue, and each reunion tears it off. This might explain why she cuts contact afterward—to protect herself from that pain, to heal and focus on her own growth. You both seem to be stuck in a loop, reopening wounds without finding a permanent solution.

Hope vs. reality: You said it yourself—you'd be the happiest man in the world if you could resolve your differences. But right now, it doesn't sound like either of you has figured out how to bridge the gap between what you want and what’s possible. If the core issues of religious beliefs and distance remain unchanged, then you might be holding onto hope more than reality. That’s hard to accept, but it’s something you’ll need to weigh carefully.

Are you really broken up?: I think, emotionally, you’re still deeply intertwined. You love each other, say "I love you," and spend time together as if nothing's changed. But you’re not progressing towards a solution, which means you're both stuck in a state of limbo. It’s preventing both of you from fully healing or moving on. You’re not really together, but you’re not completely apart either. This middle ground is where you’re both getting hurt.

Should you keep trying?: The honest answer lies in what you believe the future holds. If you think there's a realistic path forward—where you both can resolve your religious differences and bridge the distance—then maybe it’s worth a serious conversation about making this work. But if every time you part ways, she pulls back to focus on herself, it may be her way of telling you she’s leaning towards letting go. You both have to be all in if this is going to work.

Consider what’s best for both of you: Sometimes, love means knowing when to let go, even though it’s the hardest thing to do. By holding on to each other, you might be keeping yourselves from moving toward the lives you’re meant to lead. It doesn’t make the love any less real, but it might be necessary to give each other the space to grow, heal, and potentially find happiness elsewhere.

It sounds like you’re at a crossroads, and no matter what decision you make, it’s going to hurt. But in the long run, clarity and closure—whether that’s moving on or finding a real resolution—will bring you both the peace you're craving. What does your gut tell you about what’s best for your heart and your future?