To all our readers and searchers: I rarely--let me rephrase--I've never written on religious topics on the site.  Nate has posted a couple of things, but we don't want to make this a Christian beer website.  Nate and I both happen to be Christians, but our website loyalties are strictly beer.  Of course, we were being quite literal when we called the site thankheavenforbeer.  Be that as it may, I would like to write an article about whether or not it is actually sinful to drink beer.  I realize this is a niche article and not everybody will appreciate, like, or even understand what all the fuss is about.  Fortunately, there is a plenty of other unaffected, at least as far as "religion" is concerned, stuff on the site.  Feel free to read on or go to another article. Why am I even bothering to write this?  Well, the answer is simple.  I've seen multiple times that people have searched the exact terminology "Is drinking beer sinful?" or "Is drinking sinful?" and I want to be a vanguard against neo-prohibitionist logic.  In some sense, I know very well that tortured soul who is asking this question, and I feel an obligation to ...

Here at Thank Heaven for Beer, we occasionally attempt to point out certain positive factors of beer--see this article or this article for example--that are not apparent as the obviously divine flavor.  We do so, because quite honestly, so often the negative factors are the ones that come to mind for many.  We are not so arrogant so as to not admit that, yes...there are evils associated with beverage.  But, just as one might be quick to cry cirrhosis at the sound of beer, one could also cry obesity or heart disease at the sound of Big Mac.  Thus, I hope you enjoy this heart warming story... Beer did indeed save the life of a young child tonight.  Tonight as my family and I left our favorite purveyor of fine carbonated beverages, I cradled my beloved purchase gently:  a bottle of Collaboration Not Litigation Ale (review coming soon).  This bottle had to be pampered and kept upright, as I did not want to wait all of tonight and tomorrow for the unfiltered floaties to settle. After all seat belts had been buckled, I took off through the parking lot at around 8 MPH.  Usually (at my wife's disdain) I tear through parking ...

Bear with me while I vent...this post follows in the tradition of Mike's "I've been randomly annoyed" posts. On the drive to work today I tuned into a radio station based out of Detroit.  I listened as the DJ's hailed St. Patrick's day as "the best holiday all year 'cause we can drink beer for breakfast!!!!"  They were on sight at some pub--I didn't catch the name--and were putting down green brewskis at 7:30 in the morning.  One of the DJ's walked around the "pub" (it was one of these pubs) asking guys and gals alike to share there greatest sexual fantasy publicly.  Keep in mind this is being broadcast to millions of listeners in Detroit, Northwestern Ohio, and Windsor Canada.  Are you serious!?!?  Were the historical St. Patrick to visit us from his eternal resting place today, he would weep at how his name and work is being honored! I was disheartened, and quickly tuned the dial to talk radio. Anyone who reads this blogs knows that I never discourage intelligent beer consumption, but today's holiday removes the "intelligent" from beer consumption.  What kills me is the historical disregard concerning St.Patrick's day...a day set aside to honor an upright and moral man ...

Today's post is not written my Mike or I.  Vince Marotte, of Nikao is guest posting.  He offers a unique perspective on beer, as he is a pastor (and father, business owner, we developer, etc.),  Check out/subscribe to his blog...he always has something interesting/wise to offer. Now enjoy his post...it's pretty funny. How Can You Tell? by Vince Marotte There are a few things that are unique to the American Christian community that you don't see in the rest of the world and one of those things is the mixed view on drinking. In the United States, not only do a large number of Christians abstain from Alcohol, but there is a disturbing amount of Christians that do not even consider it a gray area, but downright sin. This creates a unique situation for those of us who wish to follow in the steps of Christ and partake and share a drink. How can you tell if the company you are in will stone you if you order a drink at dinner, or if you bring your favorite ale to a gathering? Let's be honest, there are a lot of people out there that would look down on you for life if you just came out ...

In an earlier post I alluded to the fascinating connection between beer and religion.  Unbeknownst to many of our readers, both authors of this site have an educational background in theology.  Unavoidably thus, when two passions intersect we take notice.   Below is a beautiful--and outstanding paragon of journalistic excellence-- AP article that explores the historical connection of God and beer.  After reading the article, let us know what you think! ____________________________________________________________________ DENVER — In the beginning, there was a long line for Judgment Day ale. Shortly after the doors opened on the 27th Great American Beer Festival, a crowd congregated at the booth offering that and other pours from The Lost Abbey of San Marcos, Calif., where the tap handle is a Celtic cross and the legacy of beer-brewing monks endures. Standing under a banner promising "Inspired beers for Saints and Sinners Alike," proprietor and former altar boy Tomme Arthur had a confession: He's using God to sell some beer. "It's the oldest story ever told — the struggle between good and evil," said Arthur, 35, a product of Catholic schools in his native San Diego. "There is a battle being waged between those who make good beer and those who make evil beer." Without question, ...

"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy..." So said Benjamin Franklin...supposedly.  Not really true! Histories and religions never develop in isolation (in my humble opinion).  Whether the former affects the latter more or viceversa is certainly a matter opinion. Beer history is no different.  As long as there has been beer, there has been some deity or saint so associated.  In the days, months, and years to come at THFB, we intend from time on discussing the various intertwining of the draught and the divine.   While posts of this nature will not be linear by any means, there is no better place to kick things off than at the beginning. Some 10,000 to 15,000 years ago nomadic humans began settling down as they discovered the joys consistencies of agrarian living.   Most likely there first crops were grains. The earliest known records of intentional beer brewing are found amongst the Ancient Sumerians.  Originally this happened by chance...maybe one of these primitive farmers left a wet piece of bread out, it fermented, and was eaten and accompanied by a desirable side effect.  Beer was discovered. Imagine what that ancient man thought, supposing it were a piece of ...