After a premiere episode in which we learned lessons of both etymology and warfare, "Jersey Shore" continued its exploration of weighty themes Thursday night (January 13). Don't believe us? The show fearlessly dove, like Deena after a runaway rubber ball, into matters of both religious faith and familial connection.

To begin, Sammi and Ronnie took a break from worshiping at the altar of GTL and headed off to church to cleanse themselves of sin (how'd that work out?). Then we were reminded that Karma is both the it-club in Seaside Heights and the Eastern religious concept of cause and effect that apparently is destined to serve several cast members with a cosmic smackdown. And finally, we were taught that the "Shore" kids may brawl and steal each other's late-night hook-ups, but thou shalt never miss Sunday dinner (if ever there were a candidate for Commandment #11, it would be Pauly D's declaration, "Sunday dinner is Sunday dinner").

Religion and family, so it seems, are timeless. We carry with us the baggage from our past misdeeds, early morning trip to houses of worship notwithstanding. The wounds of the cast's trip to Miami Beach loom large. Sammi still loathes JWoww and Snooki for penning that anonymous letter (and vice, viciously, versa). Sammi and Ronnie continue to suffer from his scum-tastic behavior. And, of course, Angelina has long since departed this reality show world.

And yet, other things never change. Like the crew's commitment to hitting the gym. Like Snooki's desire to discuss her kooka on every episode. Like the gleeful pre-club chorus of "T-shirt time!" To which we respond, "It's 'Jersey Shore' by the Numbers tiiiiiiiime!"