In this podcast, Andy Crouch and John Mark discuss building a communal Rule of Life, the myth of 'accidental saints', and the challenges of following Jesus in a world of liquidity, algorithms, and media. They emphasize the importance of community practices, intentional discipleship, and embracing uniqueness in devotion to the way of Jesus.
Developing a communal Rule of Life is vital for guiding spiritual practices in contemporary Protestant contexts.
Modern discipleship faces challenges from cultural influences that lower the standards of faith, highlighting the need for intentional countermeasures.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of community engagement in shaping individual practices, pushing towards holistic growth and addressing blind spots.
Deep dives
Concept of a Rule of Life and Its Evolution in Modern Christianity
In the podcast, the discussion centers around the concept of a rule of life and its evolution in modern Christianity. The speaker emphasizes that a rule of life, though historically present in the Catholic Church, is now being explored in contemporary Protestant contexts. The importance of communal practices that guide individuals in living out their faith is highlighted.
Challenges of Discipleship in Cultural Deformation
The podcast delves into the challenges of discipleship in the modern world, specifically within the context of entrepreneurship. It discusses how cultural influences can deform individuals' understanding of faith and values, leading to a lower bar of discipleship. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional practices to counteract the negative effects of cultural norms on spiritual growth.
Community Engagement in Developing a Rule of Life
The podcast underlines the significance of community engagement in developing a rule of life. It stresses the value of communal discernment and accountability in shaping individual practices. By sharing experiences and practices within a community, participants can be pushed towards holistic growth and address blind spots in their personal rule of life.
Challenges of Modern Christian Spirituality
The podcast discusses the challenges faced by modern Christian spirituality in a rapidly changing world. It highlights how the traditional version of Christian spirituality may not effectively address the diverse and complex realities of today's society, emphasizing the shift from a stable, land-based wealth to a liquid and exchangeable form of wealth. The episode delves into the temptations and challenges presented by liquidity, media, and algorithms, urging individuals to reconsider their approach to spirituality and the impact of these modern influences on their lives.
Addressing the Impact of Algorithms in Daily Life
Another key focus of the podcast is the impact of algorithms on daily life and decision-making. It highlights the pervasive nature of algorithms in shaping individual experiences through social media and online interactions. The episode underlines the importance of reducing reliance on algorithms and regaining control over personal data and online engagement to foster healthier, more intentional relationships and experiences. It points out the dangers of algorithm-driven content consumption and advocates for a more mindful and deliberate approach to technology use.
In this bonus episode from the Practicing the Waypodcast, John Mark sits down with author Andy Crouch to discuss building a communal Rule of Life, the myth of “accidental saints”, and the three threats to following the way of Jesus in our modern era: liquidity, the algorithm, and media.
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