Now that Australia and Chile, not to mention California, are in the wine-making business we are all a little edgy if we are thought to be unable to recognise that behind an unfamiliar label is an old friend plonk.
A fastidious taste in wine has come to be part of civilised life since Noah first ventured into the field of oenology. At least, that is what vintners would have us believe. The same process can be observed in prime cuts of beef and varieties of apple. Who would think of making a crumble with anything but Bramleys? Who would roast anything but an Aberdeen Angus? There is heresy in cuisine as there is in theology. But there are of course vested interests in championing one variety or one breed against another. Competition results in more sales. A disinclination to be found wanting in matters of taste can be exploited in the market as elsewhere.
‘No one after drinking old wine wants new for he says, “The old wine is good.”’ (Luke 5.39) Drinking habits are similarly behind the account of Jesus turning water into wine (John2.10). It looks as though Jesus’ contemporaries knew a good wine when they came across it. It was something that a host could turn to his advantage.
So what has this to do with religion? The symbolism is clear. Novelty in religious faith is likely to prove disappointing. This will be bad news to Mary Baker Eddy, Charles Taze Russell, Joseph Smith and others.
Time and endurance are good tests of religious faith as of other things. ‘The church is an anvil that has worn out many hammers,’ as Theodore Beza said.
The contest between old religion and ecclesiastical novelty is with us in every generation. Unchanging in the murk are the Scriptures. Whatever opinion we espouse, we have to measure it against the Scriptures. If we stray beyond that inspiration, we fail in our duty.
(For an unexpected sidelight on a similar behaviour pattern see a defence ministry statement dated January 2019 giving the Queen’s regulations for the Army.)
RAINHAM VIDEOS
Rainham parish church, Kent presents itself with style on a well organised website with a choice of videos on family issues etc.. The Vicar Nathan Ward leads the ministry team and had extensive experience of security, statutory children’s services, risk management before his ordination. He is interested in evangelistic tactics – and is a member of the Magic Circle.
If you have a comment on this post please send an email to Revd John King at johnc.king@talktalk.net Edited extracts may be published. To forward this to a friend click on the chain icon below.
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