I agree, as a Philosophy and Theology graduate, this is an interesting thread; everyone on this forum is lovely, I am sure no one will put down anyone else for their beliefs, like wise no one has to declare any belief.
I was brought up by Catholic parents...but in name only...they married in a Catholic Church and I was baptised as such, but they were not practising. I went to a Catholic school and as a teenager became very spiritual. Teenage life was tough for me and my sister and I think we both took refuge in our faith. We went on many retreats with a religious community and thrived in the support and love we recieved.
I had very low self esteem, but this point in my life was life-changing, and I began to believe that I had worth and that I was loved for being me. (Soppy but really important to a disaffecred 16 year old.)
I wanted to become an RE teacher so I went to uni to study Philosophy and Theology. Sadly, at Uni, I got in with a different Christian group. This group were very miliatant and 'ram-it-down-your-throat', so very different from the accepting group I was used too. They were so judgemental about gay relationships, single mothers and sex. I was so appalled that I began to loose my way. I began to question organised religion. I believed that God loved everyone and would not persecute someone for having sex before marriage or loving someone of the same sex. I had learned from my early experience that I could have a relationship with God without having to join in with mindless services.
I do believe in God; but my God is very personal. I can talk to him without going to Church. He is kind and loving and does not judge. I get comfort from talking to him when things are tough and I believe that people i love are with him when they die.
I don't care what others believe, I respect all beliefs. I don't tell the children in my class that what believe. I just state what people of different religions believe and let them make up their own minds. I do not partake in any act of worship in school because I believe it is wrong to impose beliefs on anyone, especially young children who know no better.
My husband is a staunch Atheist. we have many philosphical conversations about what we belive. However, although he is an anthiest, he is the most Christian, non-Christian I know. He is very compassionate and cares deeply about others.
Wow, that was long, but I do love the topic
. What YOU believe is what YOU believe if i wanted to know more about god id ask i dont wanna be told, same as they dont want to know my views. 
