Reflection deepens the experience by allowing us to learn from those who have already had similar experiences and reflected on them. Our understanding of ourselves comes from our society. After reflection, we can come to understand our society better and this automatically changes our view of our own self. Some people go on to change their society after that, which gives them a first-hand experience of how society works and its limits and weaknesses. This allows for even greater reflection.
Reflection requires a society which teaches one to reflect and allows the freedom to do so.
CST professors, for the most part, are trying to teach us to reflect. That's what the courses in history, theology, media, ethics and biblical studies are for. To help us learn to reflect, question and form our own thoughts. To be a part of one of these groups means that its members reflect upon their society and their selves from the standpoint of the religious view. At a high level, members of a religion will reflect upon their collective history and how society and world history has effected it.