Religious experiences, particularly those with a high emotional content, are very complex. Anglo-Saxons are generally afraid of their emotions. They have a 'reserved' approach to worship, and a somewhat rationalistic approach to faith and doctrine. Very few could be accused of 'being drunk with new wine'! Religious experience is for them a private matter. At the other extreme, for some Christians their religious experiences are for constant public demonstration.

Now feelings are important, and experience is important. And so is rationality. Friedrich Schleiermacher has reminded us that we know God primarily through our experience; for him, a 'passional' experience of religion made more sense than a purely intellectual one.

No great idea gets hold of us without our feeling something. But feelings can fluctuate wildly, and they must never be used to test our spiritual state!

But, that said, we must confess that with our new openness to the Spirit in these days many are experiencing some quite dramatic encounters with the living Christ. That's OK. The Spirit may come to us via a 'rushing, mighty wind', or a 'still small' zephyr.

I'm ready, Lord, however your Spirit comes. Amen.