In this episode, we explore how religion was introduced to us as children in the Catholic Church, and how we interpret, redefine, and carry faith forward as adults and parents.

From CCD and first communion to long church services and fear-based teachings, we reflect on how discipline, family expectations, and cultural perspectives shaped our understanding of God.

We discuss:

• The difference between faith and religion
• Fear-based vs faith-based teachings
• Generational beliefs about church and obedience
• Community, judgment, and acceptance
• Parenting and teaching faith outside traditional structures
• Personal growth and finding spirituality beyond pressure

This is an honest conversation about moving from inherited religion to intentional faith and deciding what we pass down to the next generation.

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 Why Dressing for Church Still Matters (Faith, Culture & Presentation)

02:08 Growing Up Catholic: Early Experiences with Church & Religion

06:02 Childhood Church Memories: Long Services, Discipline & Pressure

09:45 Understanding the Sacraments: CCD, Confession & First Communion

12:30 Religious Upbringing: Fear, Obedience & Church Expectations

14:26 Parenting & Church Attendance: Do We Force It?

18:44 Fear-Based Religion vs Faith-Based Belief

22:45 Deconstructing Religion: Finding Personal Faith as Adults

25:15 The Role of Church Community in Spiritual Growth

29:37 From Tradition to Personal Belief: Redefining Faith

36:25 Church Acceptance & Judgment in Faith Communities

36:54 Struggling with Church Attendance as Adults

38:27 The Meaning of First Communion for Boys vs Girls

40:10 Teaching Children About Faith Outside of Church

41:40 Faith vs Religion: What’s the Difference?

44:59 Generational Beliefs About Faith & Community

51:12 Raising Kids with Faith: Pressure or Purpose?

56:23 Finding God in Everyday Life (Not Just Sunday Service)

59:24 Rapid Fire: Fear-Based or Faith-Based Teachings?

01:01:03 Obedience in Religion: Discipline or Devotion?

01:02:30 Navigating Fear, Guilt & Faith

01:05:22 Does Suffering Strengthen Faith?

01:07:55 Cultural Expectations: Dress Code & Worship Standards

01:11:30 From Fear to Faith: Healing Religious Pressure

01:14:12 Discipline vs Devotion: Structure in Religious Upbringing

01:17:58 The Impact of Fear-Based Religion on Children

01:21:01 Passing Down Faith: What We’re Teaching the Next Generation

01:26:21 Final Thoughts: Inherited Faith & Generational Growth

Thank you for tapping into Roots 2 Realities, where we talk about the things that shape us, challenge us, and connect us.

If something in this episode made you pause, reflect, or feel seen, that’s the point.
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We’ll see you next time, same roots, realer conversations.

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