The Beer Drinkers Guide to God: The Whole and Holy Truth About Lager, Loving, and Living

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Price may vary by retailer. Add to Cart Add to Cart. In fact, Louis Johnson is the best teacher I ever had. My gigantic, tortoiseshell glasses made me look like a mutant horsefly wearing antique aviator goggles. It never occurred to me that I could be singled out as a living object lesson for the chapter on Charles Lindbergh and American aviation history. I planned to blend in with my back-row desk, maintaining my eleven-year streak of nonparticipation in class discussion.

However, Johnson ruined my plan by pausing in the midst of a series of inane student responses to a thought-provoking question.

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Apparently he assumed that, as high school juniors, we might be capable of a deep conviction, critical analysis, or original thought. What Kinky Friedman wrote about American historical figures was also applicable to our student body: We were used to ingesting data and regurgitating it in the form of multiple-choice tests. He encouraged us to do independent research so that when we came together in class, we could engage in informed discourse and even debate the merits of various ideas. Johnson wanted us to look at the deeper issues of causality, telling us that the removal of our red, white, and blue—tinted glasses might help us to become better patriots, and a stronger nation.

On that fateful first day of class, our American history teacher grew more exasperated with every inarticulate utterance my classmates made. Finally, Johnson looked right at me and my studious-looking spectacles. Hoping that I was seeing through the lens of illumination, he pointed at my most noticeable accessory.

It must have been in English, reasonably articulate, and somewhat morally sound, because I remember Mr. Johnson affirming my brilliant point by pounding his podium with the force of a Baptist preacher. Maybe he had seen something that really was there, or maybe he just needed glasses. Because of his insight, I made some profound discoveries that semester. Furthermore, there was a lady who lived in that room called Library Ann. She helped you find things that could make you smarter.

After hearing a preliminary report on my findings, she proceeded to ask me out on a date. I had failed a geometry class the year before. He was the teacher who convinced me that George Bernard Shaw was right: I would never look at anything un-critically again, and I would never see the world in the same way. During one discussion, no one could provide a reason why we should care about what happened to non-Americans. American know-how was not the only knowledge out there.

I must not have been wearing my glasses that day. Johnson seemed to relish pointing out to me that fire had been invented several years prior. Sometimes the work of challenging accepted attitudes and ideals made us downright uncomfortable. Later he would marry an army recruiter. Later still, they both became Lutheran pastors and liberal Democrats. I still change my mind, and I still recall that initial explosive force that started to knock the scales from my eyes and open me up to alternative realities. As this eye-opening phenomenon develops, the visual axis is completely inverted.

The lens of the eye begins to focus intently on a previously undesirable object of affection. Though a temporary condition, the beer goggles may be removed only by a good friend in possession of your car keys. Such lenses also tend to dissipate in the morning light. As far as I am aware, I have suffered only one serious case of this visual disorder. I was on Sixth Street in Austin, in a very crowded club, when I became incredibly attracted to a striking young woman who was there with her sister.

But in all honesty some of that was by choice rather than by design. Rather sip it slowly, so you can savor what Father Bill has to offer. Everything may not make sense right away, but maybe that's why we should follow the advice in the inscription: Oct 20, Brandon G. I read this book because my pastor recently interviewed the author, Father Bill Miller on his podcast The Extra Crispy Podcast, episode 2.

Father Bill who is now the priest of an episocopal church across town from my own church, interested me with his wit and wisdom on that podcast. He does much the same in this book. I have never been much of a beer drinker or any kind of drinker I have recently been trying to create a palate for more types of drink. I have begun to recognize the goodness a I read this book because my pastor recently interviewed the author, Father Bill Miller on his podcast The Extra Crispy Podcast, episode 2. I have begun to recognize the goodness and even holiness in fermented drink. So this book seemed to be a good read with that in mind.

It was certainly that. There is much more beyond the title that will offend the typical fundamentalist or conservative evangelical, but there is a heart behind it that is very profound. Nov 21, Scott rated it really liked it Shelves: The title implies that Miller will be writing about the mix of theology and living the good life.

Instead, Miller's book provides more of a description of an exuberant, joy-filled life involving a lot more alcohol consumption and flirtation with attractive women than one would normally expect from a pastor, priest, or 'padre' as Bill might dub himself. Bill Miller does not stand on ceremony. A religious leader who also owns a bar aggressively featuring live music in Marfa, Texas, Miller feasts on life and his own contradictions. Miller, who has had the good fortune of leading a congregation on the idyllic island of Kauai, has also 'ministered' at the Playboy Mansion and to the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders not at the same time.

He's also made pilgramages to famous breweries as well as holy sites, although he would be quick to remind you that these are often one and the same. He sounds like a heck of a travel companion, fascinated with the world that we live in and the joy it has to offer. It's true that Miller's book is light on theology, and while that is generally a good thing, I would have liked to see him tie back his passions into the Bible and his ministry.

While there is some of that to this book, a lot of the book revolves around the shock value of "Hey, can you believe that a pastor is doing this? My more serious quibble with Miller's book is the avalanche of jokes. He's a very funny guy and writer, and that shines through. But at some point, fewer jokes would be better because he falls back on some tired retreads - such as the "face made for radio," which has been hackneyed for decades. That's a peripheral criticism - overall, we would all benefit more by seeing our religious leaders living a "carpe diem" lifestyle of slightly hedonistic engagement with the world around them.

All too often, the stereotype of the austere, judgmental religious figure provides a barrier to entry for people considering whether to pursue a life of faith. A happy hour with Bill Miller might just change some minds. Apr 01, Paul Pessolano rated it really liked it. Miller, published by Howard Books. Category — Religion Publication Date — May 06, This is an unusual book written by an unusual person.

Not only is Miller an ordained priest and bar owner, but his church is on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, what more proof does one need to know that there is a god.

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He puts all this in perspective by using these virtues in his essays to enlighten the reader on a path to a better life. One does not have to be religious to gain a greater appreciation of life and our responsibility to our fellow man. These essays are both funny and serious, sometimes in the same sentence.

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Miller has led a full life. He is able to do all of this and still keep in perspective who he is and his commitment to his fellow man.

I know it all sounds crazy but believe me that this is a worthwhile read that goes beyond religion. Miller has been able to find a way to enjoy the wonderful things in life, but never losing sight of the importance of living a good life. May 24, Ron Starbuck rated it it was amazing Shelves: In this latest book written by an Episcopal priest, poet, and author, William Miller.

With the wondrous title of "The Beer Drinker's Guide to God", we discover how myriad, mysterious, and marvelous relationships are within the world. Father Miller is above all a storyteller, a very fine weaver of tale after tale. In each of these stories, parables; he reminds us that the best kind of faith is one of joy, celebration, love, and relationships.

To paraphrase leading theologian Paul F. Knitter, in wr In this latest book written by an Episcopal priest, poet, and author, William Miller. Knitter, in writing about Thich Nhat Hanh's idea of "interbeing," he tells us that understanding God through relationships is critical and that the source and power of our relationships is driven by the presence of the "Holy Spirit.

It is a sacramental experience where in every chapter you will encounter the mystery and power of the "Holy Spirit" and how the "Connecting Spirit of God" brings people together in friendship, love, and celebration of life. And in enjoying a superior brew with a good friend or friends. Besides, how can you not want to read a book, become friends with, break bread with, or share a beer with a guy who named his dog, Nawiliwili Nelson?

Drink Deeply - Drink Deeply! Jun 18, Steve Penner rated it it was amazing. Some books can only be evaluated based on the number of LOL's that they elicit. Whatever the scale this book gets the max. Not very circumspect I know. Anyway, the life that Miller leads--a priest on Kauai and part owner of a bar in Texas--can only happen in the Anglican church. The locales for his adventures range from distilleries in Scotland to jazz clubs in N Some books can only be evaluated based on the number of LOL's that they elicit.

The locales for his adventures range from distilleries in Scotland to jazz clubs in New York to the Ballagio in Las Vegas to a predominantly black Episcopal church in Texas he's Anglo to a Hawaiian animal shelter. And the stories are full of humor and spiritual insight. Almost anything can work as a sermon illustration if you try hard enough, even a Willie Nelson song. The book doesn't seem quite as edgy as "Blue Like Jazz" did when it came out, but it's in the same vein. Jul 29, David rated it liked it Shelves: As I began reading this book I did not like it.

I expected a book about beer and God and it seemed like the author spent a lot of time talking crassly about women. I suppose he'd say I'm too up tight. But as I kept reading the book grew on me. Many of the stories are funny and thoughtful. These are good reflections on enjoying the gift of life God has given through travel and friends and fun and of course, beer. Yet I only give it three stars because I can't help but think of other memoir-ish a As I began reading this book I did not like it.

The Whole and Holy Truth About Lager, Loving, and Living

Yet I only give it three stars because I can't help but think of other memoir-ish and reflection-on-life books I've read that are better. The biggest difference here is Miller is funnier while those other authors, though including humor, come across more serious. So I'd say read those others first unless you want something lighter and funnier, and don't mind a bit of irreverence from your priests. Then give this one a go. May 10, Joan rated it liked it. I never though I'd see the day when brewing and drinking beer would be a church related event, as is the case with a friend's church.

Miller is an Episcopal priest and co-owner of a bar. Father Bill believes that being upright does not mean you have to be uptight. In The Beer Drinker's Guide to God, he brews up insightful, beautifully written reflections on how alcoholic beverages can reveal the true nature of God. He weaves together stories from his life in ministry, his travels in search of the world's best Scotch, his attempts at brewing his own beer, and colorful evenings in his Texan bar. He also reflects on the lessons he's learned from roller derby, playboy bunnies, Las Vegas, and his attempts to marry Miss Universe, all while writing about generosity, sacrifice, pilgrimage, and spiritual transformation.

From the deeply touching to the laugh-out-loud funny, these stories ultimately open our minds to the glory of God and our mouths to some of his more delicious creations. The Beer Drinker's Guide to God is a smart, earnest, hilarious book for those thirsty for God's truth. The Best Books of Check out the top books of the year on our page Best Books of