Ya gotta have FAITH?

I know that faith is often "taboo" in general company. I believe you're supposed to avoid talking about money, family matters, politics, and faith. This rule was created for people who worry about insulting, are unsure of where they stand on these issues, or are afraid that they may actually be changed as a result of another person's opinion. As a born and raised non-religion affiliated person, I have in my nearly forty years attempted to put a label, or at least a definition to what may be referred to as my faith. I went to church occasionally with friends in different towns as I was growing up. I lived for three years with two very dear friends who are devout Christians. I know a little of various non-Christian religions. I appreciate the community that comes with religion in general. Most religions help people to live in a way that is kind and helpful.
That said, I still don't get it.
I believe in myself. I believe that we are all connected in some way. I believe that there is good in every one as well as bad. I believe that I should take responsibility for all of my actions, good and bad.
Who do I answer to? Me and everyone who's life I have an effect on. (Scary isn't it?)
Where did we come from? I don't care.
When will the world end? I don't know. No one does.
Why are we here? Why ask? We're just here. Make the best of it.
Where do we go when we die? We'll find out when we get there.
Does what we do on this earth have an effect on what happens in the afterlife? Again, we'll find out when we get there. So live a life that you believe is good! Anyway, it will have an affect on those who live after you so make the world a better place for them if you can.
My issue with religious publications in general is that they can be interpreted any way that suits the reader, just like any other book. A bible study is a book group. People read it and get together and talk about their interpretation of it.
The idea that a person is not going to go to the "good" place in the afterlife if they don't believe a certain way is another sticking point with me. Unfathomable.
Should I try to attain some special level of awareness to be closer to a god (or THE god)? I'm living here, now...all the way.
Have I experienced things that are unexplainable with science? Sure. That's totally cool with me. I don't want everything to be explained. Where's the fun in that?
My children will no doubt be aware of my opinions. They are encouraged to form their own.
Rant rant...rave rave.... I probably should not post this. But, since I only have about four readers, I think I can deal with the results!
These opinions liable to change at any time. No gods, demi-gods, deities, angels, familiars, sprites, gnomes, elves, hobbits, or succubus were harmed in the forming of these opinions. Any similarities to another person's views on this subject were not intentional, however, are a happy coincidence.