B & B - Bible Study & Beer

Beer.

Already I can hear the gasps of many Evangelical Christians, who hold in disdain any fermented beverage and any person who may drink it occasionally, just by reading the word. Already I can see the expressions of wrinkled noses and pursed lips. Already I can hear, "This person isn't a real Christian. Christians are not suppose to drink beer; it's sin against God. Only worldly people who don't know Jesus Christ personally, as their Lord and Savior, drink beer. Heathens."

I actually smile at even thinking about this type of reaction from fellow Christians. And maybe even shake my head in disbelief that any Christian would believe beer and wine to be evil vices from the devil. I can only regard my fellow Christians who hold this standard as well-meaning. And strive to not judge anyone who has a different standard to mine.

Growing up I was one of those Evangelical Christians who would freak out at even the mere mention of beer. I thought it inconceivable that wine and beer could ever be acceptable drinks, even in moderation, for the Christian soul. For any seasoned Christian well informed of Christian History, it would have been obvious to them that I had no idea of the prominent role that wine and beer have played in the life of Christians before modern times and Scripture that sanctioned the use of fermented drinks.

It wasn't until 4 years after high school that I became aware of the fact that some of the leading Magisterial Reformers themselves were avid drinkers themselves and expert brewers, something that would be controversial in many Evangelical Christian congregations if their leaders were to adopt that trend today. And because of that seemingly unknown fact, for some time now I have contemplated the start of drinking and enjoying beer as something mundane in my own personal life. If the Reformers (and their wives) had no shame in brewing and drinking their home-made brew, why should I be ashamed of the same?

So, tonight, in honor of those Christians who knew what good beer is, I had my first two beers without shame: Redd's Wild Cherry and Redd's Apple Ale, and added a corner in this blog dedicated to beer and bible studying. In my Mexican culture, the consumption of beer for the Evangelical Christian is frowned upon on. And although I can understand the reasoning behind that standard, I personally believe that such a standard in general is more harmful then edifying. If beer was good enough for godly men and women in the past centuries, why can't it be good enough for me? The crux of the matter is: Moderation is key, as with all things.

Beer.

Glory to God for all things.