#105 - Should I Go to Church (Part 2) {Reflections}

Ever wondered why rituals matter? In this thought-provoking exploration, Ryan dives into the transformative power of church community and how it fundamentally shapes who we become.

Drawing from Aristotle's wisdom that "we are what we repeatedly do," they unpack how our regular practices—whether exercise, complaining, gratitude, or worship—slowly mold us into particular kinds of people. The episode reveals the anthropological truth that humans across all cultures have always been ritual-creating beings, not by coincidence but because rituals serve a profound psychological and spiritual purpose.

Through compelling examples like the disruption of funeral rituals during COVID and the importance of marriage ceremonies, Ryan illustrates how rituals take abstract ideals like love and forgiveness and give them concrete, embodied expression. He introduces the fascinating concept of church as a "Jesus Dojo"—a practice ground where we rehearse resurrection living and experiment with countercultural values like forgiveness, patience, and sacrificial love.

Perhaps most powerfully, Ryan explains how worship gently decenters our egos, positioning us within a larger narrative and creating healthier patterns of relating to others and the world. By participating in these ancient rhythms, we're making intentional choices about who we want to become.

Whether you're a regular churchgoer, spiritually curious, or skeptical about organized religion, this episode offers a fresh perspective on why communal rituals matter for human flourishing. What rituals are shaping your life right now? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!

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