Means of Grace

Suspending the Rules: When and Why?

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Episode notes

In this episode of Means of Grace, hosts Jesse Ennis, John Yeager and Jonathan LeMaster-Smith explore the concept of unspoken rules and their impact on society. The discussion covers various examples, such as funeral processions, phone etiquette, clergy attire, all the way to some of the most recent changes at the highest levels of the Methodist church. The conversation explores the interplay between rules, traditions, and the larger story of Christianity. The hosts emphasize the importance of engaging with rules and understanding their context and purpose. The hosts also discuss how rules can be flexible and subject to change, and how they are created by people within the community. This episode concludes by encouraging listeners to actively participate in shaping and revising rules for the betterment of the community.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

08:00 Unspoken Rules in Everyday Life

15:16 The Process of Changing Rules in the Methodist Church

23:19 The Inclusion of Youth and Ordination of Women

29:25 Consequences and Ripple Effects of Rule Changes

35:46 The Importance of Diverse Voices in Decision-Making

39:42 Holy Conferencing and the Bible

41:37 God's Rules and the Holy Spirit

45:40 Parenting and Contextual Rules

56:47 Engagement and Dialogue in Shaping Rules