Better Drinking

One of the more challenging aspects of the Christian faith is living in the world, yet not being of it. Fundamental misconceptions of "spiritual" and "world" skew not only the discussion, but often make us hypocritical as we hold mutually exclusive concepts in tension. A few definitions probably should be in order. "World", as the Bible defines it, in context, is not the sphere of plants, rocks, drinks, cars, cellphones, and playing cards. But, "world" is collective man in his ethical disobedience to God's Word, and now-natural disposition to replace the True and Living God with another of his own making, bringing to mind Paul's warning in Romans 1 about the folly of worshipping the created thing rather than the Creator. Following this definition, being "spiritual" as opposed to "worldly" means to use and interact with the creation in manner consistent with God's Word, enabled by grace through faith in Jesus, trusting in His merits alone.

Practically speaking what this means is that Christians will be often be seen participating in things that non-Christians do, though their motivations and purposes are often different or even guarded. Christians attend movies and listen to music; they may not (and often, should not) see or hear everything that comes down the pike. The Christian should guard his heart. The list here could be so expansive as to include virtually every human endeavor, save those things which are sinful in themselves; there is no room for a Christian hitman or thief. The point is that from an outside perspective it ought to be difficult to distinguish a Christian from a non-Christian, especially when it regards general cultural activities. We all need to eat, drink, clothe ourselves, cut the lawn, check the oil in the car, and feed the dog. The primary difference between the believer and non-believer then is not so much what he does, but rather why he does it. Motivations are complex things and hard to accurately predict or interpret, and in some respects, the Spirit-led Christian life is all but unseen to men in their rebellion. (John 3:3) Yet the fruit of that spiritual life is visible (Matthew 7:16ff) and plays an important role as God uses it both to woo sinful men to Himself, and condemns them when they do not repent of their own sinful behavior.

When it comes to drinking alcohol, many Christians take an untenable position. While many admit that there is no direct command not to drink in the Bible, it should be avoided because it can lead to drunkenness. Of course, no one avoids food because it could lead to gluttony, and the shame of our hypocrisy speaks very clearly here. We are extremely selective in our attempt to avoid "worldliness", and in the process we create an artificial set of rules that have no basis in the Bible. We end up avoiding people and places that often need our presence, the very salt and light Jesus commanded us to be. How can we be influencing and setting an example if we have relegated ourselves to the enclaves of our own ghettoes, fearful to tread out on the proverbial sidewalk from the relative safety of our own homes and churches?

Which brings me around to what I really wanted to say. The title of this particular rant refers to something that Jesus was called, as well as some of the company He kept during His earthly ministry. Consider that the Eternal One, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Triune God come in the flesh, associated with what was considered the worst element of 1st century Jewish society, and was accused of being a drunk because He imbibed with them. I'm not suggesting that we all start drinking with the worst elements in our society (is that WWJD?), but if Jesus did, why can't we do even less? Are we afraid to hang-out at the local pub for fear of being spotted? Are we afraid we might hear someone say a bad word? Are we afraid of being a called a drunk?

As a profession or hobby, have Christians avoided brewing for similar reasons? Or do we brew with a Christian "audience" in mind? Even if that were possible, it is not desirable. I personally see a direct correlation between the historically declining Christian participation both in brewing and drinking, and it's degradation as a profession and as a culinary enjoyment. Instead of phenomenal beers made self-consciously to God's glory, we have watered-down substitutes because either we're feeling too guilty to really enjoy beer, or too ignorant to be concerned about it. We don't really enjoy good beer because developing a palate really takes time, and besides that, it's really so worldly and unspiritual. This attitude is not limited to alcohol of course, which explains why in a day-and-age of multi-million dollar Christian book and record publishing, the Christian Church is more irrelevant than it's even been in this country.

How do we turn the tide? How do we avoid the oft-made accusation against the Church as trying to restrict alcoholic beverages, rather than promote their God-honoring purpose of making man's heart glad? Grace, patience, time, education, and hope. One person at a time, one family at a time, one church at a time, slowly and steadily. Postmillennial beer, as it were. Perhaps one day by God's grace, the Church's celebrations and liberty to use that what God has freely given will be seen and misunderstood as drunkenness by the truly worldly. Our Puritan forefathers were often accused of being both too temperate, as well as too liberal. But wisdom is vindicated by her children; we should wear such disdain with a quiet and holy dignity, and celebrate God's goodness…with a beer.

From time to time, I am asked about my favorite beer. My usual answer is, 'it depends'. What time of year it is? What time of day is it? What is the occasion? What am I eating with it, if at all? Who am I drinking with? A list of my personal tastes could be very large, so I've decided to list some of favorite favorites, but not necessarily beers I drink all of the time, and in no discernable order.

Everyone's a critic, so if you don't agree, lift your own glass for the right reasons; joy in creation and the Creator.

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout - cream of the crop when it comes to sweet stouts, best on cool evenings in fall and winter, accompanied with home-made meat pie. A 12oz bottle is not really big enough; buy a bomber and savor. Smooth and creamy, absolutely a shame when the glass is empty.

Paulaner Hefeweizen - the best wheat beer on the planet, hands down. Excellent warm weather brew, especially when beer is nice and cold. American hefeweizens just can't touch this one. If on vacation on the beach, it's ok to start at 10am with one of these.

Ayinger Celebrator - the king of dopplebocks, black as midnight, incredibly malty, just like a liquid dessert. As a lager it needs to be cold when imbibing, and pairing it with food is fine, but tends to distract from it's own meal-like quality. I recommend this one with like-minded friends in the evening, while discussing theology or another high-minded pursuit.

Hennepin - outside of Unibroue, Ommegang is one of the best Belgian brewers outside of Belgium. This beer is refreshingly crisp, light, and good anytime of day. True to the Saison style, it is dry, spicy, carbonated, yet not overpowering as some Belgians are. If you can handle the 7.5% ABV, drink the 750ml over an hour, along with a good book. A great wind-down-your-day beer.

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weisse Dunkel - the best dunkelweizen I've ever had, like drinking chocolate milk. Imagine all the characteristics of a great German wheat beer, mixed with chocolate, cloves, and bananas. Maybe that doesn't appeal to you, but I could drink this stuff all day. The best time to imbibe is right when you get home, waiting for dinner.

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout - a great, big beer from the talented Garrett Oliver. Incredibly complex, chewy and powerful, excellent with dessert. Also bold enough to handle a cigar paring, though I recommend a maduro. Best on a fall or winter evening around a nice campfire, with friends or family. Buy some and cellar them for a year. It's still great.

That's it for now; enjoy.

Fuller's is probably more well-known for their ESB or Pale Ale, but the beer in consideration here is, in this reviewer's opinion, one of the finest examples of a modern porter. That is, if you can find it. I've had this served in bottles at two different locales in northeastern metro Atlanta, but the distribution channel seems to be shifting things around so it may be harder to find than previously.

This particular bottle was a "bomber", bought while in Arizona back in February. A very nice, unique bottle with the words "Independent Family Brewers" molded into the glass. A regal label, complete with a griffin at the top, describing the contents of the bottle and where is was made. While "cash redemption" for the bottle is available in several states, a homebrewer like myself doesn't throw away bottles unless they are twist-off. No, the only real desecration to the outward appearance was that darn government label insisting that pregnant truck drivers risk birth defects while driving with the surgeon general. I am firm believer in truth-in-advertising, but some things I just don't want to know.

A dark brown ale with ruby tinges in the light, this beer adorns the glass with grace and invitation. A tan head formed nicely and though it did not last long, a nice lace was produced throughout the session.

A sweet, almost syrupy, aroma arises, mixed with thick malt and chocolate overtones. Not too roasty, like a stout would be, but a good prelude to what's coming in the taste. A very slight bitterness wafts in as it warms.

Mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, carbonated with just the right mix. Not too heavy, but definitely not light.

Without exaggerating too much, imagine a beer with chocolate syrup. Yes, it's really that good. Not in the same category as Rogue's Chocolate Stout, but a creamy, delectable beer, worthy of dessert or dinner. To balance the powerful chocolate flavors, there is roasted barley, as well as some mild hops, which add a pleasant bitterness mid-mouth, in the swallow and the aftertaste. As it warms, the bitterness becomes somewhat more pronounced, as one might expect, but the overall flavor does not change, making this an absolute treat from first sip to staring at the bottom of an empty glass, somewhat wistfully.

Overall, an exquisite beer, one of my favorites in it's class, even above the excellent Anchor Porter and Rogue Mocha Porter, both of which are more American-style in terms of flavor and aroma. If you can find it, order and enjoy.

Labels: beer reviews

On my to work, coming and going, I pass a “package” store, a strange title to me for a place that sells wine, beer, and liquor. One would almost be inclined to think there was something sinister or criminal going on that the owner would be afraid to name the type of product customers are shopping for. The joke about Baptists and Methodists not recognizing each in the liquor store comes to mind. Anyway, on the marquee, besides advertising some special of the week, is an oft-used phrase in the “package” business; enjoy responsibly.

Without quibbling too much, I do take issue with the thrust of what is called “responsible”. In most cases, we focus on the second table without a consideration of the first. In other words, we place offenses against man with a solemnity rarely given to God. How often are we saddened when hearing about a death caused by a drunk driver? Usually we are, and rightly so. But are we just as moved when the gift of alcohol is abused in general, and God’s commandment is disregarded? For every one drunk driver there are 10 more who get home unscathed. There are 20 more who use alcohol as a crutch or to drown the misery of life. Do we weep for these?

And not only weeping, but do we resolve to provide testimony on how to honor the Creator in His gift of alcohol? Do we show the watching world how to be responsible to both God and man? Sadly, our answer is no. Instead of honoring Him, we disregard the gift as if the problem were in the bottle rather than us.

The next time you drink, resolve to truly enjoy responsibly; ponder your duty to man and to the God of the Bible, Who will require us to be responsible whether men are looking or not.

Men's Journal recently made of list of the best beers...definitely worth taking a look at.

Thanks to Frank for the link.