Bible, Brew and a More Authentic Faith?

C.S. Lewis liked to work out tough theology with a pen in one hand and a pipe in the other, Martin Luther is attributed with saying: "Beer is evidence that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

Jesus himself was called a "glutton and a wino" by those who wanted to insult him. Now the home of 'Old Milwaulkee' starts it's own trend in Christianity: Jesus+Beer.

A variety of churches are getting involved, from the non-denominational MKE: http://www.collectivemke.com/aboutus/ to denominational types like the Lutheran Church, All People's Lutheran Church and the Presbyterian Church of America affiliated Friend of Sinners Church. The philosophy behind this is simple: as the chair of theology at Fordham University in New York, J. Patrick Hornbeck puts it:"It gives people permission to say a little more,". He says pubs offer something of a theological lubricant. "It's something more of an equalizing force."

A PCA Church planter, Dan Quakkelaar, holds Bible studies in a bar as well. "It does sometimes get looks — a bunch of guys with their Bibles out, drinking beer," Quakkelaar said.

"There's a perception in the church and in Milwaukee that you have to have this veneer of holiness that says don't drink, don't smoke, don't chew."

for more on this story:

http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/beer/bible-and-a-brew-groups-get-t...