Convivium and Symposium

The English language includes the word convivial, which is based on the Latin convivium for a feast or banquet (or, more broadly, a living together, from con + vivo).

Although these occasions were often the occasion for excess, the were seen as being one of the cornerstones of civilisation. There were often a gathering of equals, which demonstrated the commonality of the group.

In Greece eating and drinking together was also an expression of equality - equality, that is, between members of a distinct group sharing the same values, and also political power. The meal would always follow the same format, first there would be a blood sacrifice followed by eating and finally drinking. This is the origin of the practice of the women retiring and the men remaining with the port etc. It was at this point in the evening that the hard talking would begin. This was called the symposium (the Greek verb sympotein means "to drink together"). It was here that poetry, prose, intellectual and philosophical discussions would occur.

The importance of meeting around a table for food and conversation clearly has its origins in the earliest days of human civilisation. The implication of sharing of life as equals and the relaxed ambiance of the meal permits the initiation of discussion on the great subjects of existence. The Table Church idea is to bring together in synthsesis (from the Greek meaning to "place with") something of the convivium and the symposium to create an experience of living and learning together for a missional exisitence.