Pub Theology: Beer, Conversation, and God

Last updated on: August 30, 2012 at 6:06 pm by Deborah Arca

2 Comments

Pub Theology: Beer, Conversation, and God 2012-08-30T18:06:35+00:00 Deborah Arca

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A minister, an atheist, and a few other people walk into a bar… The minister says, “Drinking is against God’s will for your life.” The atheist responds: “He forgot to tell that to Jesus.” The others say, “This sounds like a great conversation – can we join?” And so it begins…

Inspired by a church in London, pastor, writer, and pub theologian Bryan Berghoef began facilitating Pub Theology sessions at a local microbrewery in Traverse City, Michigan four years ago.

Those conversations, between people of varying faiths and some of no faith, have now culminated into Berghoef’s first book: Pub Theology: Beer, Conversation, and God.

Bryan was asked recently: “What makes beer and religion a good pairing?”

He responded, between sips, “Beer and religion have a long history–monasteries served as brewing centers, Martin Luther could brew up a good pint, and so on. A good beer is flavorful and complex, and leaves a lasting impression. It’s the same with a good spiritual practice.”

Asked in a recent interview about what God would think of the book, Berghoef laughed and replied: “He’d probably say, ‘It’s about time.’”

Below is the first of three excerpts from Pub Theology: Beer, Conversation, and God.

An excerpt from Chapter 4: A Story of Two Tables

Arriving at the pub on a discussion night always brings with it a sense of anticipation. Who will show up tonight? Will it go well? Will people talk? Will they like it? I usually arrive, target a couple of open tables, set down the sheets of questions for the night, and grab a pint. On a particular night some months into our project, I returned to my seat with a delicious brew called ‘Ethel the Frog ESB’ (that’s Extra Special Bitter for you non-beer drinkers). I saw some new faces and realized the tables were filling up quickly. It was going to be a good night.

When the crowd reaches a certain size, over a dozen or so, it is not unusual for us to split into a couple of groups, so that everyone can participate in the conversation. This was one of those evenings. So we split up the tables, and people found their way into one group or another. The people at my table were engaging in some light conversation and introducing themselves to each other. In the middle of this I noticed someone join the other group. A heavier-set fellow, hair a bit disheveled and peering out of thick glasses, lumbered over to the other group. Interestingly I noticed he had his hands full. But instead of holding a beer, he was holding several large books, and some papers on top of that. I didn’t give it much more thought, and turned my attention to our own group.

We had great conversation on such topics as: ‘Do you prefer to think about faith as mainly about facts or about mystery?’ and ‘Is it more important to believe the right things or to do the right things?’ and ‘How do you know that you actually exist?’ You laugh — but this can generate very interesting discussion (particularly after a couple of pints!). Most people at the table indicated that faith seems somewhat mysterious to them, and that limiting it to facts seems to take the hope or life out of it. A person with Buddhist leanings noted that it is all ultimately mystery, and that facts are a matter of perception when it comes to issues of faith. A Christian at the table challenged that view, noting that Christianity is a historical religion, unlike Buddhism, and has its roots in actual historical events, i.e. facts. I sat back, enjoying my extra special bitter ale and listening to the discussion going on around me. I thought, this is what it’s all about: people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and religious perspectives all sitting at the same table, having a rich, meaningful, and respectful conversation, even as differences of opinions are voiced. It is a good night.

I glanced over at the other table, and noticed that the larger fellow was talking somewhat heatedly, and had begun handing out some pieces of paper. I returned my attention to our group. The question before us asked: “Is it more important to do the right things, or believe the right things?”

Wondering what people had to say? Click here for the next part of this chapter of Pub Theology*! Or you can read it instantly on your Kindle, or get the paperback version.*

Bryan Berghoef is a pastor, writer, and pub theologian (meaning his best thoughts occur with pint in hand, or his best pints occur with thought in mind – or something like that). His interests are found at the intersection of theology with history, language, literature, culture, the arts, politics, and music – though he admits his greatest passion is studying the original context of the ancient text of the Bible. You can read more of Bryan’s writings at pubtheologian.com.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

July 27, 2012

Nadia Bolz-Weber: This is the God We're Dealing With

Next Post

August 6, 2012 Fearfully, Wonderfully: The Olympics and the Hunger Games

Recent Comments

2 Comments | Leave a Comment

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Advent Author Interviews Battle Over the Body and Blood of Christ Bearing Beauty Book Reviews Christian Education christian spirituallity christianity Christmas Church Church Leadership Contemplation Creation Care Death and Dying Death Penalty Disruptive Change Disruptors Series Easter Education Evolution and Faith Future of Progressive Christianity Gun Violence Health & Wellness Holy Week Interfaith Israel-Palestine Leading Differently Lent LGBTQ Living with Cancer Meditations on the Cross Mental Illness millennials Mimetic Mondays Monday Meditations Movie Reviews New Monasticism Pando Populus Parenting Patheos 10+1 Q&A Series PC(USA) Politics Pop Culture Practical Theology Series Prayer progressive christian Race Relations Reformation religion Religion and Politics Religion in America Rethink Church Social Justice Spirituality Spirituality of the Body Stump a Scholar Technology and Faith Thanksgiving Theodicy Trust Me Church Uncategorized Why I'm Still Christian Youth Ministry

Select a Month December 2025 April 2025 January 2025 September 2023 September 2022 May 2022 February 2022 January 2022 November 2021 October 2021 May 2021 February 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 June 2020 May 2020 March 2020 June 2019 March 2019 January 2019 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What is the meaning of "amen" as Jesus often used it?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Glory Let it happen Truly or verily Hurry