Christianity and home brewing

[GHBWNY]

Sorry, just whipping the dead horse here --- but, scripturally-speaking, like many have stated, the consumption of alcoholic beverage is not wrong. The purpose of beer or wine is to be drunk, not to get you drunk. The Bible study I referred to which included the availability of beer (and other beverages) along with something to eat after --- I repeat, AFTER --- the study was over, was meant to illustrate that beer can be included in the event, as long as "beer" itself isn't the main focus of the gathering. I know for a fact, these guys who met were first and foremost serious about their faith and learning about Jesus and a commited Christian life. A beer with their pizza didn't change that.

 

[FatDragon]

Probably just an "opinion" , but if someone is serious about bible study then shouldnt that be the focus of the group or meeting ? I mean , if you want to be serious about it. Its just my own personal experience but anytime Ive ever tried to combine brewing or drinking with anything else it was futile....it just turned into a brewing/drinking party with no real emphasis on anything else. Im not trying to say it cant be done , and that socialization between like thinking people is important , I just personally would leave the "bible study or prayer" implication out of it and have plain old get togethers over a brew between brothers/sisters in the faith , or anyone else that wants to participate. I dont want to sound like I think its wrong to have "bible brews" , I just dont think its a positive thing to call it something that it usually isnt.

The beer-and-bible studies I've personally seen have almost all been outreach-based, at least in their initial iterations. Walk up to a group of hipsters and start talking about the Bible - good luck. Get a couple beers in with a group of hipsters and start waxing philosophical about the Bible - you're in.

 

[z-bob]

Actually, getting at least a little bit drunk at a wedding feast was normal, and Jesus didn't seem to have a problem with it (see John 2:10)

I'm an elder in a tiny Southern Baptist church, and before I (or anyone) was elected to the position we had a lot of discussion about the qualifications for pastors, elders, and deacons in 2 Timothy chapter 3 (and Titus 1, I think.) We decided that drinking is not prohibited, but drunkenness is. In spite of this, my pastor asked me privately if I would be offended if the church asked me to give up alcohol. I told him I would be offended, but not greatly offended, and for the sake of the weaker brothers I would abide by the request until I finished out my 2-year term -- but then I would quietly not accept reelection. It hasn't come up again.

Needless to say, a homebrew club or ministry would go over like excrement in the punchbowl. OTOH, a shooting club would probably be just fine. Don't know about dancing...

 

[mikeasu]

I think I'll be using that before every boil now with a little holy water.

I'm on friendly terms with our pastor - maybe should invite him over for dinner with the family, and time it for a brewing day, have him throw in the yeast blessing...

 

[mattmmille]

Just to throw my two cents in, I understand that there are some Christian denominations that preach no alcohol. I was raised Presbyterian and our Communion was always Welch's Grape Juice and little cubes of Wonder Bread. My parents weren't big drinkers...a Christmas or New Year party. As time passed, my mother enjoyed wine more. There was nothing particularly positive or negative for me, regarding alcohol. I do, however, personally believe that alcohol is positively regarded in the Bible and I feel no prohibition is suggested. I'm not an alcoholic, so I'm good with my choices. I'm also okay with those who don't want to partake...their choice. I did run across a whining internet troll who hijacked a perfectly nice man's Youtube video on making wine at home. The troll took over his comments section with admonitions against alcohol, accusations that we are all drug abusers, and other similar inflammatory statements. She claims to be Mormom and I think that is the basis for her claims. I don't know much about the specific teachings of Mormonism and have nothing against Mormons...I just hope this troll is an exception, not the rule, with how they address use of alcohol. Having someone berate me and others for not agreeing with HER opinion just pisses me off.

 

[unionrdr]

^ Gotta agree with ya there. Like my 9th grade math teacher's slogan above the chalk board, " Do your own thing, but don't stop me from doing mine". And on that note, is it a Christian thing to do to teach my son to make his own beer? He grows ghost chilies, scorpion peppers & the like & wants to make a chili beer. I told him to check us out here. I also told him I have plenty of fermenters & equipment he can use to brew it up. I think it's a good thing to pass on life skills to one's children, also being Roman Catholic. What say you?

 

[chewse]

Weren’t the roots of Prohibition based on the moral conflict between religious groups and the alcohol related industries? The southern states' blue laws were purposely enacted to prevent church goers from going to church intoxicated. Alcoholism is a problem but drinking in moderation is not.

 

[sumbrewindude]

.... The troll took over his comments section with admonitions against alcohol, accusations that we are all drug abusers, and other similar inflammatory statements. She claims to be Mormom and I think that is the basis for her claims. I don't know much about the specific teachings of Mormonism and have nothing against Mormons...I just hope this troll is an exception, not the rule, with how they address use of alcohol. Having someone berate me and others for not agreeing with HER opinion just pisses me off.

You could always ask her to explain how magnets work....

 

[jwelch1103]

I haven't read the entire thread here but will post a quote from antiquity!

"Man is not defiled by that which goes into the mouth, but rather by that which comes out."

Talking about food I believe but somewhat appropriate here.

 

[unionrdr]

Weren’t the roots of Prohibition based on the moral conflict between religious groups and the alcohol related industries? The southern states' blue laws were purposely enacted to prevent church goers from going to church intoxicated. Alcoholism is a problem but drinking in moderation is not.

Religious groups did get involved, but the women got together against sexually transmitted diseases being brought home after also gambling away the families money in the saloons. The bars at that time were tied houses. Tied to the brewery that paid to have them built. The guy that ran the bars didn't make much, so they resorted to gambling & prostitution. The women decided they'd had enough & state by state pushed for prohibition.

 

[ErieShores]

Non practicing Catholic here.


Didn't Jesus turn water into wine? Follow in his footsteps…

 

[ohiochris]

Who is calling it anything it isn't? I think everyone here that has either done a beer & bible study, or has entertained the thought, has been very up-front about the meaning and intent. Yeah, if you say you're going to do a bible study, but in reality just sit at the bar, or in your basement and drink beer, then call it what it is.

But if you've got someone who is willing to put the effort into making sure it is well structured (or, even a team), there is no reason not to do so. Okay, so every time you've tried it, it's turned into a brewing/drinking party. It doesn't work for you and/or your social circles - that's fine. It works for other people.

And if the ability to spend an hour or so every now and then enjoying a beer with friends/associates is the ice-breaker that brings someone new into a bible study, I'm all for it.

I agree with you. If its done right. That's why I didn't say it couldn't be done , just my experiences with it weren't all that positive.

 

[ohiochris]

It is interesting that the bible not only says not to be "drunk" but it also talks about gluttony , overeating , and eating food that is not good for us. Yet churches and religious groups love to have their potluck dinners where many eat until they can barely move , and many church goers are overweight. I think they skip over the main lesson to be learned from scripture and that is all things " in moderation" , not that food or alcohol is wrong.

 

[QuercusMax]

Maybe look at this site? https://pintpipeandcrossclub.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/forming-your-own-pint-pipe-and-cross-club/

If C.S. Lewis's and J.R.R Tolkien's were in part the result of something like this, it can't be all bad!

 

[n240sxguy]

That sounds like an awesome plan. I was talking to a buddy of mine last year about starting something like that. Once a month would be just right. Hard to do every week sometimes.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[Pappers_]

Married to a Lutheran pastor, hosting a beer and cheese tasting at the church in April, three other members of the board of my homebrew club are active members of congregations too.

Our congregation also hosts 12-Step group meetings five nights a week, which I personally champion within our congregation when old farts complain about the groups using our facilities.

Putting on my moderator hat: Please keep the conversation on-topic, i.e. about your experience as a homebrewer as a part of a faith community. Do not make this a debate, do not proselytize, do not bash others with different opinions.

Hi, since there has been some new activity on this thread after a quiet spell, I thought I would repost my previous post from a few months ago and give everyone a gentle reminder of the ground rules. Religious arguing, theological posts, etc will get this thread moved to the Debate Forum. Remember, whatever your theological position or point of view, lots of folks here will disagree with it, and that disagreement is not a conversation to be had in a homebrewing forum.

 

[RevA]

^ Gotta agree with ya there. Like my 9th grade math teacher's slogan above the chalk board, " Do your own thing, but don't stop me from doing mine". And on that note, is it a Christian thing to do to teach my son to make his own beer? He grows ghost chilies, scorpion peppers & the like & wants to make a chili beer. I told him to check us out here. I also told him I have plenty of fermenters & equipment he can use to brew it up. I think it's a good thing to pass on life skills to one's children, also being Roman Catholic. What say you?

It's a great idea!

 

[b-boy]

I'd like to hear people's take on this situation. I'm a Christian myself, and a good portion of my family would be considered Evangelical, so I'm used to the 'drinking is evil' attitude. I avoid drinking in situations where it would upset my relatives.

I know a guy who is an Evangelical Christian. He belongs to a non-denominational evangelical church that is pretty hard-core. Women only wear dresses - no pants allowed; Kids are home-schooled; yada yada....

He's been a very vocal anti-alcohol guy for years. I've had to listen to him preach about it. He's a nice guy, but it used to annoy the hell out of me. He's in a position where his preaching kind of impacts me a little in some situations. Personally, I don't care if you don't drink, but I don't want to get a lecture, or a comment when I'm drinking.

Recently, he's somehow been turned on to craft beer. I asked him how he can justify this after all the years of preaching about the evils of alcohol. His response is that it's OK to drink as long as he doesn't get a buzz. He only has 1 glass of beer. He likes Belgians, so I can't imagine 1 glass of a Quad isn't going to get you drunk, but whatever. Live and let live.

So 2 things have been bothering me:

1. I personally call bull**** on his whole argument. If your religious sect doesn't allow alcohol, then you shouldn't be drinking. Especially after all the years of preaching. If you want to drink a beer, just drink a beer. I don't needs an hour of justification and trying to make the rules fit your new lifestyle. Just say, I was wrong and move on with your life. Essentially, he's saying he's a good person because he only has 1 beer and I'm a bad person because I have more. Kinda pisses me off.
   
2. More annoying, but funny, is that he's started giving me beer advice. He's even critiqued some of my beer. He told me my year-old Belgian Quad needed to age a little longer (Although he did say the color and head were dead-on ). I'm happy to give him a taste, and I appreciate the input, but don't get all 'Beer-Advocate' on me after you've been drinking for 15 minutes. That really pissed me off!

Comments?

 

[kaconga]

I'd like to hear people's take on this situation. I'm a Christian myself, and a good portion of my family would be considered Evangelical, so I'm used to the 'drinking is evil' attitude. I avoid drinking in situations where it would upset my relatives.

I know a guy who is an Evangelical Christian. He belongs to a non-denominational evangelical church that is pretty hard-core. Women only wear dresses - no pants allowed; Kids are home-schooled; yada yada....

He's been a very vocal anti-alcohol guy for years. I've had to listen to him preach about it. He's a nice guy, but it used to annoy the hell out of me. He's in a position where his preaching kind of impacts me a little in some situations. Personally, I don't care if you don't drink, but I don't want to get a lecture, or a comment when I'm drinking.

Recently, he's somehow been turned on to craft beer. I asked him how he can justify this after all the years of preaching about the evils of alcohol. His response is that it's OK to drink as long as he doesn't get a buzz. He only has 1 glass of beer. He likes Belgians, so I can't imagine 1 glass of a Quad isn't going to get you drunk, but whatever. Live and let live.

So 2 things have been bothering me:

1. I personally call bull**** on his whole argument. If your religious sect doesn't allow alcohol, then you shouldn't be drinking. Especially after all the years of preaching. If you want to drink a beer, just drink a beer. I don't needs an hour of justification and trying to make the rules fit your new lifestyle. Just say, I was wrong and move on with your life. Essentially, he's saying he's a good person because he only has 1 beer and I'm a bad person because I have more. Kinda pisses me off.
   
2. More annoying than the above is that he's started giving me beer advice, and has even critiqued some of my beer. I'm happy to give him a taste, and I appreciate the input, but don't get all 'Beer-Advocate' on me after you've been drinking for 15 minutes. He told me my year-old Belgian Quad needed to age a little longer. Although he did say the color and head were dead-on. That really pissed me off!

Comments?

I think I understand where you are coming from. Perhaps when he starts talking about his 1 beer rule you can find a way to politely thank him for catching up to modern Christian understanding. When he critiques beer then I would just smile and say "that is an interesting OPINION." This is my usual go to for people who are trying too hard to come off as beer experts. Some people like religion because it makes them feel better and some like it because they get to feel better than others. Just my .02.

 

[b-boy]

I think I understand where you are coming from. Perhaps when he starts talking about his 1 beer rule you can find a way to politely thank him for catching up to modern Christian understanding. When he critiques beer then I would just smile and say "that is an interesting OPINION." This is my usual go to for people who are trying too hard to come off as beer experts. Some people like religion because it makes them feel better and some like it because they get to feel better than others. Just my .02.

The problem is that he's not a beer expert - he's 'THE BEER EXPERT'. It's actually pretty funny. It makes me laugh.

 

[dkwolf]

I'd like to hear people's take on this situation. I'm a Christian myself, and a good portion of my family would be considered Evangelical, so I'm used to the 'drinking is evil' attitude. I avoid drinking in situations where it would upset my relatives.

I know a guy who is an Evangelical Christian. He belongs to a non-denominational evangelical church that is pretty hard-core. Women only wear dresses - no pants allowed; Kids are home-schooled; yada yada....

He's been a very vocal anti-alcohol guy for years. I've had to listen to him preach about it. He's a nice guy, but it used to annoy the hell out of me. He's in a position where his preaching kind of impacts me a little in some situations. Personally, I don't care if you don't drink, but I don't want to get a lecture, or a comment when I'm drinking.

Recently, he's somehow been turned on to craft beer. I asked him how he can justify this after all the years of preaching about the evils of alcohol. His response is that it's OK to drink as long as he doesn't get a buzz. He only has 1 glass of beer. He likes Belgians, so I can't imagine 1 glass of a Quad isn't going to get you drunk, but whatever. Live and let live.

So 2 things have been bothering me:

1. I personally call bull**** on his whole argument. If your religious sect doesn't allow alcohol, then you shouldn't be drinking. Especially after all the years of preaching. If you want to drink a beer, just drink a beer. I don't needs an hour of justification and trying to make the rules fit your new lifestyle. Just say, I was wrong and move on with your life. Essentially, he's saying he's a good person because he only has 1 beer and I'm a bad person because I have more. Kinda pisses me off.
   
2. More annoying, but funny, is that he's started giving me beer advice. He's even critiqued some of my beer. He told me my year-old Belgian Quad needed to age a little longer (Although he did say the color and head were dead-on ). I'm happy to give him a taste, and I appreciate the input, but don't get all 'Beer-Advocate' on me after you've been drinking for 15 minutes. That really pissed me off!

Comments?

1 beer, huh?

So, is that one 4.2% Bud Light, or one of the countless 9.0+% offerings in the craft world?

 

[GHBWNY]

Just remember the "Golden Malt" rule:

"Brew unto others as you would have them brew unto you."

 

[ohiochris]

I'd like to hear people's take on this situation. I'm a Christian myself, and a good portion of my family would be considered Evangelical, so I'm used to the 'drinking is evil' attitude. I avoid drinking in situations where it would upset my relatives.

I know a guy who is an Evangelical Christian. He belongs to a non-denominational evangelical church that is pretty hard-core. Women only wear dresses - no pants allowed; Kids are home-schooled; yada yada....

He's been a very vocal anti-alcohol guy for years. I've had to listen to him preach about it. He's a nice guy, but it used to annoy the hell out of me. He's in a position where his preaching kind of impacts me a little in some situations. Personally, I don't care if you don't drink, but I don't want to get a lecture, or a comment when I'm drinking.

Recently, he's somehow been turned on to craft beer. I asked him how he can justify this after all the years of preaching about the evils of alcohol. His response is that it's OK to drink as long as he doesn't get a buzz. He only has 1 glass of beer. He likes Belgians, so I can't imagine 1 glass of a Quad isn't going to get you drunk, but whatever. Live and let live.

So 2 things have been bothering me:

1. I personally call bull**** on his whole argument. If your religious sect doesn't allow alcohol, then you shouldn't be drinking. Especially after all the years of preaching. If you want to drink a beer, just drink a beer. I don't needs an hour of justification and trying to make the rules fit your new lifestyle. Just say, I was wrong and move on with your life. Essentially, he's saying he's a good person because he only has 1 beer and I'm a bad person because I have more. Kinda pisses me off.
   
2. More annoying, but funny, is that he's started giving me beer advice. He's even critiqued some of my beer. He told me my year-old Belgian Quad needed to age a little longer (Although he did say the color and head were dead-on ). I'm happy to give him a taste, and I appreciate the input, but don't get all 'Beer-Advocate' on me after you've been drinking for 15 minutes. That really pissed me off!

Comments?

He's probably in a position where he is struggling with the difference between what he knows and what he believes. The way you describe the situation I wouldnt be surprised if he has been a closet drinker for years but feels pressure not to admit it......I say that with no negativity toward him , but that is a common thing.

I would just focus on what you have in common with him , the enjoyment of brewing and beer in general.

 

[davesrose]

I think Islam is the only main religion that shuns alcohol. I'm mainly Jewish myself (which is not anti-alcohol...wines are common for some holidays). Pretty sure Catholism is the same way. There may be some current evangilical churches that want to cast any alcohol (even beer) as sinful, but I think that's more an outcropping of the temperance movement vs actual religion.

 

[b-boy]

He's probably in a position where he is struggling with the difference between what he knows and what he believes. The way you describe the situation I wouldnt be surprised if he has been a closet drinker for years but feels pressure not to admit it......I say that with no negativity toward him , but that is a common thing.

I would just focus on what you have in common with him , the enjoyment of brewing and beer in general.

I understand his position.

What's annoying is the fact that we're both drinking a beer, but since I'm on my 2nd beer I'm somehow less moral than he is. The fact that he actually says it is kind of hypocritical and insulting. I'm sure he has no idea he comes off this way.

 

[sloanfamilydsm]

Just remember the "Golden Malt" rule:

"Brew unto others as you would have them brew unto you."

I believe Jesus wants me to brew beer. No factual basis for this, just a gut feeling

 

[rodwha]

"The problem is that he's not a beer expert - he's 'THE BEER EXPERT'. It's actually pretty funny. It makes me laugh. "

Take that for what it is and don't let it bother you. At least you can laugh!

 

[Ozarks Mountain Brewery]

One of the things that history tells us is water supplies were not so good and many people died because of it. were talking way back to the beginning, all the way trough Christianity and early 1900's

In fact, alcohol was a normal part of life. In Colonial America, the Puritans expected Christians to drink. In the 1700s, a Baptist created the formula for bourbon whiskey. During the 1800s, many Southern ministers operated stills, and sold alcohol. Parishioners who owned stills would tithe their alcohol; and preachers' salaries often included whiskey.

although it did get out of hand at times the main reason for alcohol was it was a sanitary drink

 

[ohiochris]

I understand his position.

What's annoying is the fact that we're both drinking a beer, but since I'm on my 2nd beer I'm somehow less moral than he is. The fact that he actually says it is kind of hypocritical and insulting. I'm sure he has no idea he comes off this way.

Yeah that could be really annoying.
You should be able to get in some good sarcasm when he makes those statements.......Hahaha!


If he thinks you are somehow less moral for drinking more beers , then own it.......drink two at a time

 

[wardens355]

One of the things that history tells us is water supplies were not so good and many people died because of it. were talking way back to the beginning, all the way trough Christianity and early 1900's

In fact, alcohol was a normal part of life. In Colonial America, the Puritans expected Christians to drink. In the 1700s, a Baptist created the formula for bourbon whiskey. During the 1800s, many Southern ministers operated stills, and sold alcohol. Parishioners who owned stills would tithe their alcohol; and preachers' salaries often included whiskey.

although it did get out of hand at times the main reason for alcohol was it was a sanitary drink

The better understanding of microbiology has lead to effective drinking water treatment, but has also lead to better understanding of yeast, resulting in better beer. Beer is no longer a vital necessity for mankind, but remains a vital necessity for those that love to brew it.