At college, I became friends with this girl who was a 'cool

"At college, I became friends with this girl who was a 'cool Christian.' They did street dance, then they prayed. It became my whole world. I had Christian friends. I went to Christian parties." These words from Michaela Coel offer a profound reflection on the role of identity, community, and faith in shaping the course of a young life. The image of a "cool Christian" who blends elements of contemporary culture—street dance and prayer—speaks to the evolution of tradition in the modern age. It shows how faith can be woven into the fabric of everyday life, how spirituality can find expression not only in solemn rituals but in the vibrancy and energy of youthful expression and connection.

In the ancient world, religion and community were inseparable, forming the backbone of a person’s identity. The Greek philosopher Aristotle believed that humans are inherently social beings, and that virtue and meaning are best cultivated within a community. The people of his time understood that their identities were shaped not only by personal thoughts or actions but by their participation in the shared life of the city or polis. Similarly, Michaela Coel speaks to how her identity was shaped by her newfound connection to a community of faith, a place where she found belonging and purpose. This blending of culture and spirituality, of faith and self-expression, echoes the ancient principle of living a life that is both virtuous and authentically engaged with the world around you.

The juxtaposition of street dance and prayer highlights the dynamic nature of belief in the modern age. Just as the early Christians in the Roman Empire adapted their faith to the languages and symbols of the time—finding ways to speak of the eternal truth through the cultural expressions around them—so too does Coel show how contemporary faith can be intertwined with self-expression, art, and culture. The early Christian communities were often depicted as rebels in a Roman world, adopting practices like the Eucharist or gathering in house churches to express their devotion in ways that were deeply rooted in the lived reality of their time. Just as they found innovative ways to live out their faith amidst an oppressive empire, so too does Coel find a way to make faith her own in the modern world.

In the ancient world, the philosophers also understood the transformative power of community. The Socratic method was centered on dialogue, engaging with others to understand truths and ideas more fully. Likewise, Coel’s experience of becoming part of a Christian community where she could explore her beliefs, share in dance and prayer, shows how belonging to a community can lead to profound personal transformation. The act of engaging with others in a shared pursuit—whether through intellectual dialogue, prayer, or dance—creates a space for growth and reflection, a place where the soul can both express itself and learn from others. Just as Socrates was shaped by his disciples and the dialogues that took place in the streets of Athens, so too did Coel’s community shape her sense of self.

The significance of the Christian community Coel describes also brings to mind the tribes of the ancient world, whose members found strength in the unity of their beliefs. In a tribe, faith and customs were passed down from generation to generation, forming the collective identity of the group. Similarly, Coel’s experiences show the way in which faith, when intertwined with contemporary life, becomes a powerful force for connection and growth. Her experience of Christian parties and friendships reveals how faith is not just a private matter but something that flourishes in shared experiences, a beacon of light that guides people together. It shows that faith does not live only in churches or rituals but in the way we connect with one another, share experiences, and build community.

The lesson for us here is clear: faith is not a static or isolated concept but a living and dynamic part of our lives, able to be expressed in many forms. Just as the ancients adapted their beliefs to their times and their circumstances, so must we find ways to make faith relevant and meaningful in our own lives. The blending of modern culture and ancient belief is not a contradiction but an opportunity—an opportunity to live a life that is both deeply rooted in tradition and engaged with the world around us. Whether through art, dance, conversation, or community, faith becomes real when it touches the lives of others and when we find ways to live out truths in a manner that is authentic to our time.

Thus, we are called to find our own community, our own expressions of faith, and to live a life that blends our personal beliefs with the world around us. Michaela Coel’s experience of finding Christianity woven into her life through dance and friendship reminds us that faith is not just about what we believe, but how we live those beliefs in relationship with others. Let your beliefs shape the community around you, and let the community shape your beliefs. For it is in community that we find the strength to grow, to learn, and to express ourselves in ways that are both authentic and transformative.