Coming to Our Senses: The Spirituality of Wine

A public lecture, wine tasting, light food and reflections with author & researcher, Dr Gisela Kreglinger, at the Hewitson Wing, Knox College.

"Her presentations are unique, hands-on, and spiritually enriching. She weaves a Christian theology of feasting and joy through a presentation that stirs the imagination, the soul, and the palate." - Jill Carattini, Atlanta.

- Introductory Lecture 5:15pm (free)
- Wine Tasting & Reflections 6:15pm - 7:45pm - ($20 door sales)

RSVP - registrar@knoxcentre.ac.nz by 3rd February.

Do wine and faith have anything to do with each other?
What is the place of wine and wine-making in the Christian tradition?

Jesus told parables about wine and vineyards and used wine at weddings and the Last Supper to demonstrate his message. Yet is wine anything more than a symbolic item within Christian spirituality?

As New Zealand continues to grow in stature as a producer of quality wines and wine becomes a stronger cultural feature, is it time to awake to the senses: to gather around the table, and reclaim this gift of creation?

The public lecture addresses the interface between Christian faith and everyday life practices. It is part of an initiative of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, of the Presbyterian Church. 2017's lecture will tackle a matter that many Presbyterians historically viewed with suspicion.

In a unique blend of talk and tasting, participants will sample wines, learn about the Biblical history and spiritual significance of wine, and explore whether wine can be taken seriously as part of a recovery of the senses in Christian spirituality.

Dr Gisela Kreglinger:
Gisela Kreglinger grew up on a family-owned winery in Franconia, Germany where her family has been crafting wine for many generations. She holds a PhD in Theology from St Andrews University and in her recent book, The Spirituality of Win (2016), Gisela has woven together her passions for Christian spirituality and the created gift of wine. Gisela has offered lectures, talks and tasting in restaurants, vineyards, churches and seminaries in the USA and UK.

"In Kreglinger's hands wine becomes a key to a spirituality that rejects false dualisms of matter and spirit and inspires the healing of the earth on the way to God's new creation of all things." - Richard Bauckham, Professor Emeritus, University of St Andrews.