RELIGION: Surprising Facts About Beer And Christianity

Beer is a proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. Believe it or not, the Christian church has been a significant contributor to and patron of the beer brewing industry. Here are some interesting facts you may not have known about the ways beer has brought people closer to God. -The Bible : What better place to start for the Christian opinion towards alcohol than the bible! Wine is mentioned frequently and although there are always restrictions on overconsumption, there are plenty of verses that commend both wine and “strong drink,” (beer, most likely) in moderation (Deuteronomy 14:22-26, Judges 9:13, Psalms 4:7). -Trappists : Brewhouses from various religious orders have existed throughout Europe since the middle ages. Monasteries felt the need to be self-supporting, and brewed their beers in order to feed themselves. The Trappist order of monks are perhaps the most renowned brewers and formed the International Trappist Association to prevent frauds from using the Trappist name. Among other qualifications, ITA approved breweries must use their income only to cover living expenses and maintenance of the monasteries; the leftover profits are donated to charity. -Ben Franklin : “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” There’s no doubt that you’ve seen this quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin on a t-shirt, coaster, bumper sticker, or koozie at some point in your life. Unfortunately, Mr. Franklin never actually said this. He did say something similar, albeit slightly more poetic: “Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine, a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.” -Arthur Guinness : Irish Protestant Arthur Guinness, the founder of the Guinness brewery business, actually started brewing beer in order to get the people around him to behave more responsibly. Guinness started brewing during the 1750s, a time when hard liquor was immensely popular and led to rampant drunkenness. Not only did Arthur Guinness provide a safe alternative to unclean water and potent liquor, he also helped found the first Sunday schools in Ireland and donated much of his money to the poor. -"Beer Churches" : Today, Christian churches of all denominations are expanding their meeting places outward to participate in the rich tradition of healthy drinking. Since 1981, Catholics have participated in “Theology-on-Tap” meetings that allow young- adult members of legal age to learn more about their church in a safe but relaxed setting. In 2013, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America authorized Church-in-a-pub meetings as well. Not only does this help church members have a bit of fun while growing spiritually, but it brings the Church out into the world and meets people where they are, something Jesus was known for doing time and time again. Source: Beliefnet