Partially religious reasons. Also, getting a degree takes a lot of money/time, and I don't feel (from what I've heard from academia, both students and teachers) that it would benefit me much, besides being able to say I have a degree.
It would get you past the screening processes that you are having a hard time with for one. That seems like a benefit.
If I were you, I'd seriously reconsider this standpoint. Having a degree certainly isn't going to hurt you, and there are a lot of ways that it could help you. If money is the main concern, I'd like to point you at https://www.uopeople.edu/ -- they're accredited and tuition free. You only pay for exams - $100 each for a total of < $5000 for a BSc.
This shows what can be done:
https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/myprojects/mit-challenge-2/
OK so this is hardcore, but even if a few of the modules were completed that would prove something.
For some reason, in this country, education is looked down upon. That is very unfortunate.
College, for me, was a largely positive influence. Admittedly it was expensive, but it was easily the largest catalyst for growth in my young adult life.
I'm interested in learning about what the easily-negative influences in academia are, because besides the cost I can't think of an argument against it.
I do think, however, that having a conversation with someone who beliefs are fundamentally counter to yours are tremendously valuable. It might help you empathize with their position, help you better understand your own, or at the very least make it easier to work with people who's backgrounds are different from your own.
Stepping into an environment that you won't feel at home in may be an excellent place for you to step outside of your comfort zone and grow.
I can't remember who said this, but a thought that resonated the most with me about college is that it is the time and place for making your brain the most interesting place to live for the rest of your life.
Ultimately, the decision is entirely yours, and college won't make you or break you. I can say that they were likely the most valuable 4 years of my life so far.
But coming from a similarly conservative background, I wanted to help you understand why some are rather wary of colleges. In my experience, it's by far not as bad as they fear - but you do have to get used to hearing people in your surrounding deride and insult your beliefs and values on a more or less regular basis.