I'm a cubscout leader in the US. My best religious experiences were not from the United Methodist church I was brought up in, but from participating in nondenominational vespers at the scout summer camp where I worked as a youth. The BSA had (maybe has?) a program called "A Scouts Own Religion" that says any religion a scout follows is valid. My experiences in scouts shaped my view of religion, and eventually I joined a UU fellowship as a result. Many members declare they are buddist, christian, humanist, athiest, agnostic, etc. I don't think I'm any of these.

First of all, my concept of god is an idea of a supernatural connection between humans that compells us to be good. I feel there is some supernatural element. I feel that the religions that give god a name do it to simplify the concept. Making god an entity instead of a feeling gives god a voice. It's not human conscience compelling you but gods voice. I think it's an artistic way to present the concept.

Second, I think that demigods and saints serve a useful purpose. They give a person something to focus hope upon when they need a mental lift. I'm praying to St. Anthony to help me find my keys, or Freija to help my crops grow better, or Ai'wa when pandora is invaded by blackwater operators etc. I sort of believe that these fictional characters become real enough when we need them to be.

I also think we can't even comprehend the complexity of god, but that god must be accepting of our attempts. God is good, so I think god is goodness and kindness, not that god just likes goodness and kindness. I think it's right that people follow their minds and express faith as they see fit.

So what am I? How do I describe this concept? Religion is a significant part of Scouts. I don't want to lie to others and tell them I'm Christian or whatever. I don't feel the need to identify as Christian. I do think Jesus was real and taught people what is right, but I also think that an indescribable force exists which is bigger and more pure than the Christian concept of god. So what am I? What theology should I study to educate myself? I feel like my god IS goodness, kindness, and hope. So what do you call it?