Global Gathering and all that...

First off, welcome to the new and fresh 'Wondering' blog. Here's a space where the thoughts, ideas and reflections whizzing around inside the collective brains (and hearts) of the Ambient Wonder community can find a voice. A space where can deepen our understanding of God, and over time (I hope) a space for questions, response, discussion, collaboration, maybe even healthy debate.

So here's a good place to start. At the 'Global' Ambient Wonder last night, we explored what practices we could take from other faiths, and still remain true to our central Christian beliefs. It was always going to be challenging to our established ideas of 'in' and 'out'. Although we didn't want to alienate people, we perhaps wanted them to become a little uncomfortable as they pushed at the edges of their faith.

The thing that struck me most from the evening was a conversation with Anna afterwards (I hope she doesn't mind me mentioning this!), whi had curated the event. She noted that even though she had thought through the ritual of applying bindis to one another's foreheads (in acknowledgement of the presence of God within that person), her background and upbringing made her uncomfortable with it, and she was unable to participate.

My equivalent discomfort (and one shared by others I have met) is perhaps with purchasing items on a Sunday. Although my personal interpretation of the 5th commandment does not mean I have a problem with popping to the shops on the Sabbath, years of being brought up in a good Christian household have given me a slight unease even when using a vending machine on the day of rest (now i know how Pharisees felt...). Perhaps this is a good thing - I actualyl acknowledge the significance of the day, despite my heathen buying habits...

So, the item for discussion, I suppose, is what are those things that make you uneasy... that you sense are counter to your faith. And do you have a rationale for this discomfort, or is it in spite of yourself? Maybe you're uncertain. Thoughts, please!