A Fresh, Dark, Foaming Calling

H

istorically Beer has played a major part in church history. Many of the best imported beers today were originally developed in Monasteries where monks devoted their lives to prayer, fasting and brewing superb Ales. In more recent years, however, Beer seems to have been cast away by much of the western Church. It stands falsely accused of all number of ills. Many Christians have no problem admitting that guns are not evil–that it is the people who use them that may have problems–but those same people at times are unable to extend that logic to alcohol, specifically Beer. Beer, unfortunately, is decried by many as an unholy devilish nectar. The Nazarenes, proud rectors of my alma mater, go so far as to devote considerable time and energy at outlawing it and harassing and nearly downright condemning anyone who so much as touches his or her lips with an alcoholic beverage. Thank God I’m graduated. The point is, however, that the tide is turning. It’s just a small ripple, but by the grace of a God who turned water into wine I believe the ripple will turn into a thunderous heady river. Behold:

River-Brew

A church up in East Lansing has begun a new ministry! And that ministry is home-brew. I have the great honor of knowing some of these guys pretty well, and I must confess that the temptation to move up to Michigan to be involved in the ministry is growing quickly. I may have finally heard my calling. Check out their site. My favorite part from the FAQ:

What does the Bible say about alcohol?

* The Bible says light beer is a sin (Isaiah 1:22)(A little bit of a stretch, but we suspect it may be true)

* The Bible says Christians will drink alcohol in heaven (Isaiah 25:6)

Does anyone else feel called to this remarkable ministry?