One of the things I love about being Anglican (and from that you can deduce that I haven't always been Anglican - no 'true' Anglican would be that doxological about it!) - but one of the things I love about being Anglican is the robust doctrine of creation which I inherit. True, other denominations have it also, but I like the way it's expressed in Anglicanism.
Prayers are said for all kinds of things in church each week: for Christians, people who aren't Christian, disasters, wars, government leaders and many others. You really get the sense that God is sovereign: he rules over all people and all of this world.
There is no sense of 'forbidden' hovering over many things, but a ready acceptance that this world is full of good things which God made and which it is right and proper for us to enjoy, within the bounds of what it means to please him. So, alcohol, food, work, sex, shiny things - nothing is inherently wrong or to be feared. This is so in line with Scripture (particularly the OT feasts), and is another reminder that this world is God's world; we are not to live in fear of it.
One thing I have noticed though is that I've embraced this so enthusiastically I haven't thought as carefully as I should have about how it synchs with a doctrine of redemption. That is, as a follower of the crucified Christ, I am called on to give up my life, my dreams, my preferences and follow him to death. Somehow these two fit together without contradiction, though in tension, I would expect.
My hunch is that the path through is love for neighbour and for God, which requires self renunciation (not for its own sake), and requires a freedom and love of living in God's world (to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to notice the good gifts of God and give thanks). So, renunciation and enjoyment - not based on my preferences of what I want to give up and what I want to enjoy, but instead choices based on love. Christianity is a place where the challenges never stop.
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