Mwah? Where did that come from? And why?

Do I, or anyone for that matter, have to go to a religious institution of my/thier choice to be a good person?

No one is good. Only Jesus is good. It's all about being saved and forgiven of sin. Jesus saves and forgives. Church for those of us who are Christian is about coming together to worship and help each other grow in the Lord. Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian. Yes it's nice to go, but if your heart isn't in it and you're only going just to please your family or out of religious ritual then you shouldn't go. But you still should come to know Jesus and let Him change your heart, your life, forgive you of your sins and give you eternal life.