I grew up in the Midwest and had a lot of exposure to big

Hear now, O seekers of truth, the words of Michael McMillian, who reflects upon his upbringing: "I grew up in the Midwest and had a lot of exposure to big religion. I went to church every Sunday—my mother even sang in the choir—and most families I knew were practicing Christians." These words carry with them the resonance of a life shaped by faith, tradition, and the rituals that form the foundation of many communities. For McMillian, as for many, religion was not just a set of beliefs but a lived experience that permeated the fabric of everyday life. The Midwest, known for its deep roots in Christian tradition, was a place where the church stood at the heart of the community, a place of shared values, moral guidance, and spiritual unity.

In ancient times, the role of religion in community life was equally central. The great civilizations of the past, from the Greeks to the Romans, were built upon a shared belief in the divine, and religious rituals were woven into the daily life of every citizen. In Athens, the temples dedicated to Athena or Zeus were not only places of worship but symbols of the city's very identity. The gods were seen as active participants in the affairs of men, guiding their actions, shaping their fates, and providing a moral compass. The festivals, the sacrifices, and the prayers were all acts of collective spiritual expression—ways in which individuals came together to honor the divine and reaffirm their place within a larger cosmic order.

Likewise, in the ancient Judaic tradition, religion was central to every aspect of life. The Torah was not just a religious text but a code of living, a set of principles that guided every decision, from what to eat to how to treat one’s neighbor. The Hebrew Bible tells the story of a people bound together by their shared faith, a faith that not only shaped their spiritual lives but also their community and social order. Much like McMillian's experience, the daily practice of faith was not a private affair but a public one, woven into the very identity of the people. Religious practices, such as Sabbath observance, prayers, and festivals, were expressions of both devotion and community solidarity, designed to strengthen the bonds of family, tribe, and nation.

In McMillian’s recollection, we also see the communal aspect of religion—his mother singing in the choir, families gathering each Sunday. In many ways, this mirrors the rituals of ancient tribes and communities. The act of singing, of coming together in worship, is an embodiment of the unity that religion can bring to a people. The voice is a powerful tool, for it is through song that many have lifted their souls to the heavens, transcending the mundane and touching the divine. The choir, a collective voice of praise and worship, is a testament to the power of religion not just as an individual pursuit but as a communal one—a shared ritual that binds people together in the pursuit of a common spiritual good.

But as we turn to the story of McMillian, it is clear that the relationship between the individual and religion is complex. While religion in the Midwest offered a sense of belonging and moral grounding, it also posed questions about personal belief, individual authenticity, and spiritual freedom. This tension is not new. Socrates in ancient Athens famously questioned the religious beliefs of his society, offering a new way of thinking about the divine and challenging traditional practices. His execution for impiety demonstrated that the connection between religion and society is not always harmonious. For some, the faith into which they were born becomes a source of comfort and community, while for others it may feel like a constraint on their individuality and freedom.

The lesson we can draw from McMillian’s words is one of balance—the ability to honor the traditions and communal practices of religion while also respecting the individual's right to question, to seek, and to define their own spiritual path. Just as Socrates sought a deeper understanding of truth beyond the religious rituals of his time, so too must we seek the essence of faith that resonates deeply within our own hearts. Religion in its true form should not bind us in servitude but should empower us to grow, to connect, and to live in a way that is aligned with our highest ideals.

So, O seekers, let us consider the role of religion in our lives. Is it a force that strengthens our community, guiding us toward goodness, compassion, and justice? Does it inspire us to live with integrity and love, as the teachings of the ancients did? Or do we find ourselves trapped in rituals that no longer serve our soul’s deepest needs? Just as Socrates urged his followers to examine their lives, so too must we examine our spiritual practices, seeking the truth that connects us to one another, to the divine, and to our own inner light. In this way, we will walk the path of wisdom, ever growing in faith and freedom.