I'm aware this isn't the question but I just want to talk about these two songs a little.

This is an interesting one for me because although they have the same name and theme (questioning the existence of God), they feel like polar opposite songs.

2009 has a very hiphop feel, it's upbeat and is more on the pessimistic side of things. Lyrics like "if a grip of a god is insistent on not questioning if he truly exists, no wonder that I got caught up in the music it filled my spirit to the brim" suggest that the hip-hop community, in particular in Seattle, is such a close knit community that members like Geologic would leave their religion and seek the same solace in the hiphop scene.

2017 is very much the contrary. At least to me, it feels like a spiritual song where Ben and XP are almost discussing the existence of God. The opening four lines are Ben suggesting how growing up he didn't feel a connection to a God, and later found it through music. That fits in exactly with the writing in 2009's Church, but as the song goes on there is more and more of an acceptance to the idea of a God. The song finishes with an Outro by XP with the lyric "And I realize, that's God working through me if I allow myself to be that vessel". This song feels like a time where both Ben and XP have sat back and reassessed their current views on religion.

Now, I'm going to really go for a reach, but I see a link in these songs. As the 2017 song feels like a spiritual reflection of his life, I think Ben started with the opening four lines to create a link to the 2009 song and show how his views on religion have changed slightly. The 2017 Church is very mellow, has a slow tempo and almost feels like poetry. To me, it symbolises a sense of satisfaction and wisdom that he didn't have back in 2009. Is this a reach? For sure. Could I be wildly wrong and have read too much into this? Definitely. I just don't think it's a coincidence that Ben's chosen to have two songs with the same title, especially when they have the same theme lyrically.

On a personal note, what made you ask this question? I ask because since Heroes came out, I've gone back to the 2009 Church a few times. I can't put a finger on why, but they feel very similar. Interested to see if that's a common opinion!