With Win Bassett about to enter the seminary, this story from Madison, Wisconsin, stood out as something he could do to combine his callings. According to the Cap Times, a couple of local taverns, the Chief’s Tavern and the Fountain, both in Madison, are hosting regular events combining beer and religion.
The Fountain is hosting a group known as Spirituality on Tap, who meets the on the first Sunday or each month “to talk about faith and spirituality in a relaxed, comfortable environment.”
The second group takes over Chief’s Tavern for “Beer & Hymns,” where members of a nearby Lutheran Church meet to drink a few pints and sing a few hymns.
As one attendee quipped. “It’s easier to talk to a pastor standing next to a bar stool.” Another admitted that “a pub or a local bar is a more comfortable space than a church is.” Best of all, another advocate had this to say. “This is about recognizing that many people equate alcohol with alcoholism … those two things, while related, are not the same. We need to be sensitive to those that have struggled, but not demonize alcohol itself.” Amen to that.
That’s how all church should be held, frankly. Win, can you do something about that?
We’ll see! A group from Duke hosts Theology on Tap at Fullsteam in Durham, and there is another group in Raleigh that hosts “Beer and Bible” at a local Irish pub.
I totally agree. Since we started Beer and a Bible 2 years ago it’s been incredible to hear some of the conversations. People from all different walks of life have been engaging in some great conversations over some great beers.
Brings to mind a song I first heard in the 50’s, called “The Bible Tells Me So” (penned by the late Dale Evans, w/maybe an assist from Roy Rogers – info is hard to find; I have a 45 buried somewhere of the late Don Cornell singing it), the bridge & last verse (same as its 1st) of which go:
Don’t worry about tomorrow;
Just be real good today.
The Lord is right beside you;
He’ll guide you all the way.
(so) Have faith, hope, & charity;
That’s the way to live successfully.
How do I know?
The Bible tells me so.
I’ve evolved into an agnostic, but I can dig scholarly theology discussed over a few pints.