The Beer Drinker's Guide to God: The Whole and Holy Truth About Lager, Loving, and Living

by William B. Miller

It’s no accident that Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine! Written by an Episcopalian priest-slash-bar owner, this thoughtful, well-written book of spiritual essays distills lessons about the character of God from stories about adult beverages.

“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.” —Psalm 34:8

Being upright does not mean you have to be uptight—at least according to Father Bill Miller, an Episcopal priest/bar owner. As a fan of both spirits and the Holy Spirit, he is very familiar with the intoxicating lure of some of God’s finer creations, and in The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God he brews up insightful, beautifully written reflections about the strange intersections of God, and, well…beer.

In this humorous collection of essays, he weaves together stories from his life in ministry, his travels in search of the world’s best Scotch, his conversations with Trappist monks, and colorful evenings in his bar, Padre’s. He also reflects on the lessons he’s learned from baseball, Playboy bunnies, Las Vegas, and his attempts to become chaplain to the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, all while (somehow) crafting essays about the spiritual importance of generosity, sacrifice, openness, and spiritual transformation. Really.

Essays

- What Would Jesus Drink?
-Brewed Over Me and Distill Me, O Lord
-Pearls of Great Price
-Chicken Soup for the Hooters Girl’s Soul
-Miss Hawaii and Other Miss Takes
-Don’t Leave me The Theological Significance of Athletic Supporters

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 God’s more delicious creations. The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God is a smart, hilarious book for those thirsty for God’s truth.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Biography

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2014

About the author

William B. Miller is an Episcopal priest, gifted storyteller, bar owner, music lover, dog dad, world traveler, and engaging humorist. He is the author of The Gospel According to Sam: Animal Stories for the Soul, The Beer Drinker's Guide to God: The Whole and Holy Truth about Lager, Loving and Living and The Last Howlelujah: Tails from the Trail.

Father Bill draws from an extraordinary diversity of travels, relationships and experiences to connect faith and life, focusing on a spirituality for real people. He translates the human experience into poignant, profound stories that range from the deeply touching to the laugh-out-loud funny. His readers are filled with hope, inspired to reconnect with their Creator, the natural world (especially dogs!) and their fellow human beings, making the world a better place for all. Father Bill founded the legendary music venue Padre's in eclectic Marfa, Texas, and leads pilgrimages all over the world. Originally from Texas, he was blessed to call the island of Kauai home for almost ten years.

Father Bill now lives near New Orleans with his lovely wife Sandy and their six lively dogs: Sinbad, Lili, Mano, Waylon, Roscoe and Dash.

Reviews

[Kari]

This book by an Episcopal priest and bar owner is broken into three parts: wine, women, and song. I really enjoyed how he took everyday experiences and found the holy within them, though I didn’t care as much for the section on women. It’s a good reminder that being a person of faith, even a priest, doesn’t mean you have to close yourself off from enjoyment. Overall it was a funny and thoughtful book and I immediately thought of three or four guys I go to church with who would like it a lot.

[Paula Marinak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never been a big drinker -- of beer or any other alcoholic beverage. The most beer I drank at one time was during my college graduation party back in 2002. Not that I have to justify my drinking habits, but it seems doubtful that anyone would deny me a little splurge to celebrate seven years of effort to earn my bachelor's degree. The last time I had a beer was probably five years ago or so, at a friend's wedding reception. Given the fact that I enjoy adult beverages so infrequently, why would I be interested in a book that offers a series of essays about beer (and a few other spirits) and its connection to God? What could these two subjects possibly have to do with one another anyway? Furthermore, how could beer or any other type of alcohol have the power to reveal greater spiritual truth about ourselves and the world around us? The closest I have come to having a revelatory experience involving beer was at my friend's wedding reception. One of the favors she gave to her wedding guests was a margarita glass with some text resembling hieroglyphics around the entire rim. From the moment the group of guests I was in sat down at our table, we were determined to decode this mystery text. Was it some kind of proverb? An ancient wedding blessing? WHAT THE HELL DID IT MEAN?????!!!!! In hopes of easing my frustration, I reached for my beer and took a swallow. No sooner had I done that than I looked at the rim of the glass again, and all had been revealed. "Wait!" I said. "I just figured it out! If you read the text one way, it says Joe and Sue, and if you read it the other way, it says Sue and Joe!" Cue the angelic choir. It turns out vino has not cornered the market on veritas. There is truth in beer too.

Aside from one small victory with discovering a relatively simple truth by sipping a beer, there are a lot of things in life that I could use some help to figure out. (Couldn't we all?) Somehow, I doubt the solutions to life's great questions and challenges can be found by downing a six-pack or more as fast as possible. There is a higher power whose main purpose is to help us with whatever we need. All we have to do is ask.

Yet, as important and busy as God is, would He ever truly be accessible and take time for me? If life's important questions can be summed up by a Magic 8 ball type of response, the answer to this last question has, for me at times, been something like the following: "Not sure." or "Looks hazy." But if I were to consult a Magic 8 Ball for an answer to that question after reading this book, the response would be very different. In fact, I believe it would match the inscription in the front of our family's copy of "The Beer Drinker's Guide to God." It would say: "Stay thirsty and drink deeply."

Once again, I have to thank my aunt and uncle, Sandy and Preston Motes, for introducing me to Father Bill Miller's latest book. It may seem hard to believe (it was to me at first), but there are a lot of similarities between being a priest and owning a bar. In both settings, there is high potential for a lot of prayer, revelation, soul-searching, and self-discovery. There can be times of joyous celebration as well as mourning. Whether in a church sanctuary or your local bar, people from all walks of life can come together to share a meal and drink from a common cup -- whether that cup is beer mug or a communion chalice. Both establishments can offer good music, and probably even the occasional fight. (Let's hope there are no split lips, black eyes, or broken teeth after Sunday service, though.) Most of all, I think people want a place where they can feel comfortable and accepted -- a place where everybody knows their name. Though it may seem an unorthodox comparison, you can certainly find all of the things I just mentioned in a good bar and a good church.

Father Bill uses the same writing style in "The Beer Drinker's Guide to God" as he did in his first book "The Gospel According To Sam." It's informal but insightful -- full of truth and humor. Father Bill doesn't pound his pulpit to make his points; nor does he hit you over the head or spout scripture chapter and verse in an effort to make you feel like you're doomed to hell if you don't know his every reference immediately. Instead, his writings make their points in a way that are pretty much guaranteed to make you say: "Huh. I never thought of it quite like that."

Here are some of my favorite offerings from this book, and a bit about why I like each one:

"Beer Googles" -- This essay talks about the value of having good teachers and good friends who can help us make better decisions when our vision has become clouded, and can show us a new perspective when necessary.

"Brewed Over Me and Distill Me, O Lord" -- This essay describes God as the ultimate brew master, and each of us as one of His fine creations. A hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind microbrew, if you will. (Show me another book where you have *that* kind of comparison.) But there is much more to brewing a beer than just enjoying the end product. There is a lot of cleaning, mashing, purifying, and general hard work. The same kind of hard work is involved in creating the best version of each one of us. We may have circumstances in life that grind us down, mash us up, and mix us around, but in the end we are purified distilled into a much finer product than we would have been without all the effort to separate the chaff and find the wheat.

"Pearls of Great Price" -- This was probably my favorite essay in the whole book. We all have times in our lives where we feel insignificant, undervalued, or ordinary -- like we just don't measure up and never will. But through the power of love, faith and commitment, and a healthy infusion of spirit, ordinary objects and ordinary people can be transformed into extraordinary and infinitely valuable and irreplaceable creations.

"Hail Mary"-- This essay speaks to the power of family, whether biological or chosen, to give us the courage and confidence to explore new ideas and take on new challenges.

"WWJD: What Would Jesus Drink? -- Made you think when you saw those first four letters, didn't it? But if you ever need a reminder of why Jesus came and who he was most trying to reach, this is the essay for you. Jesus may be the son of God Himself, but he is far from elitist. Jesus came to Earth in the form of a little baby because He wanted to be among us -- not to lift us out of our problems, but to help us through them by bringing us closer to Him. No matter what walk of life any of us come from, what is one common way for people to draw closer together? Oftentimes, by sharing a drink, of course. Since humans are said to be created in God's image, it makes sense that He would want us to share as close a relationship with him as possible. One as close as two friends regularly sharing drinks, for example. He encourages us to draw close to him, and then go out and share the news that He is willing to welcome us all to the party. So raise a glass to that good news. Cheers, indeed!

"My Wili" -- Dog lover that I am, you can be sure that I would include Father Bill's essay about his dog Wili on my list of favorites from "The Beer Drinker's Guide to God." To me, the point of this essay is pretty simple. Love can come in all kinds of packages, and the object of our affection may not look the way we thought he would. But that doesn't mean the relationship isn't worth the investment of time and energy. It can still lead somewhere beautiful, and give us the sense of community and fulfillment we want in life.

"Don't Leave Me Hanging: The Theological Significance of Athletic Supporters" -- An essay about jock straps? Well, clearly I have to read this, because there's no other way I can make *that* connection. OK, so I was a bit misled by the title. It's really about the connection between being a sports fan and a follower of God's teachings. Since I am such a big sports fan anyway, I could get behind this premise easily enough. It turns out that whether you are choosing to follow your favorite sports team or God, it's not always an easy proposition. The going can be very tough at times. But true supporters/fans are in it for the long haul even when the rewards are not apparent or are a long time in coming. We don't give up or desert because we get knocked down. We take the hit and get back up. We define ourselves not by what we are against, but by who and what we are for. And we keep going -- no matter what. I can root for that.

"About The Beer" -- This essay is about Father Bill's search for the Holy Grail of Belgian beers, Chimay, which is brewed by Trappist monks. On one hand, this reveals a couple of basic truths that Father Bill tries to share throughout this book. For one thing, brewing beer (and drinking it!) can be a religious experience. But it is not about enjoying the end product for ourselves alone. Brewing is about a refining, purifying process that takes hard work to bring out the best possible end product. Even when we are done, we should not sit back, rest and allow ourselves to get drunk on our own success and goodness. We should go out and share the results of our talents so others can savor as well. It is about doing what is right and good, regardless of how difficult that may be. As Father Bill says: "Take one down. Pass it around. Stay thirsty for righteousness."

I don't recommend guzzling this book. It took me two and a half months to read it after all. (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: "Stay thirsty, and drink deeply!"

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bill Miller's "The Beer Drinker's Guide to God," is a bit of a misleading title. 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?" That is refreshing, to be sure, but I wonder if the more rigid adherents to a religious code might dismiss Miller as a theological lightweight.

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.

[Paul Pessolano · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Beer Drinkers Guide to God” by William B. Miller, published by Howard Books.

Category – Religion Publication Date – May 06, 2014

This is an unusual book written by an unusual person. William B. Miller is an ordained Episcopal priest who owns a bar in Marfa, Texas called Padre’s. Don’t believe me; check it out on the internet. 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.

The good “Padre”, excuse the pun, has put together a book that extols the virtues of good beer, women, and song. 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.

Miller has led a full life. He is not foreign to Playboy Bunnies, three Miss Hawaii’s, Cowboy Cheerleaders, and the blackjack and crap tables of Las Vegas. 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. As a side note, as of this writing “Padre’s” has gone up for sale, it is currently listed at $895,000.00. It is worth going on the internet and reading the history of the adobe built in the 1900’s and was once a funeral home.

[Ron Starbuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 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." "Behind and within all the different images and symbols, Christians use for God - Creator, Father (Abba), Redeemer, Word, Spirit, - the most fundamental, the deepest truth Christians can speak of God is that God is the source and power of relationships."

Miller's book will have you laughing out loud before the first chapter ends, and smiling throughout the entire book. 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!

[Steve Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books can only be evaluated based on the number of LOL's that they elicit. Whatever the scale, this book gets the max. Usually I only LOL at home, but when reading this book at a coffee shop or waiting for the car's oil change, I still found myself LOL. 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 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. It might best be described as the practical application of Tony Campolo's title "The Kingdom of God is a Party!" It might not make it on any evangelical list of devotional must-reads, but it is worth the few hours it takes to read anyway.

[Brandon G. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 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.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

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. He draws some spiritual insights from beer drinking. He tells lots of stories about himself, some showing his impaired judgment because of alcohol. This, I think, must be a man's book as the language frequently used is that of drinking buddies, words I would not use in public.
See my full review of this book at http://bit.ly/RyHEWP.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an independent and honest review.

[Joshua Coon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic, sincere, crazy, sweet, and most of all honest. One of the best books I've read in ages. More reverent than I anticipated, Miller, writes with an honesty about life that I truly appreciate. He lives with zest, as he is an Episcopal priest as well as co-owner of a watering hole in Texas. He'll make you laugh, and make you wonder why it is you are doing what you are doing. He writes with depth and humor, and a love for others. "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good" Psalm 34:8. Miller both sees and tastes, and laughs along the way.

[Paula Schumm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Howard Books for a free advance copy of A Beer Drinker's Guide to God.
A Beer Drinker's Guide to God by William B. Miller is delightful nonfiction. The author expounds upon wine, women, and song as he regales the reader with anecdotes from his life as an Episcopal priest and bar owner. This book is insightful and entertaining. I recommend this one to all my reader friends.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Be To God! A funny series of stories each encouraging you to ponder and find God in them. Light yet thoughtful. Well written. Yes Episcopal priests drink beer (and own a bar); yes they like women and because of that God does provide them the gift of storytelling so we can listen and hear. Call your favorite priests, buy them a beer and give them a copy! Enjoy! NetGalley and Howard Books provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Raimo Wirkkala · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is certainly a different breed of clergyman and this particular bread is leavened with, of all things, irreverence and much good humour, often self-deprecating. Before the reader knows it the lesson has been taught and received with a smile if not out-loud laughter.

[Myra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Love Love! Laughing one minute and thinking about my faith and the importance of loving according to the scriptures all the next. Well done William Miller!

[Sue Whitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A priest in Hawaii who owns a bar in Marfa, Texas and loves dogs and humans. Explains value of religious over spiritual. Oh, just read the book. You'll like it.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the stories and perspective of another beer drinker who serves our God

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like some other reviewers, I had an issue with the section on Women. I appreciate the attempt overall to breakdown the social constructs that we in America define as "sin", but in doing so, I think the author got a little loose and ventured too far, based on my understanding of scripture at least. What started as a great read with which I truly related and appreciated left me with a somewhat bitter aftertaste (there's a comment about IPAs in there somewhere).

[Tonya Lowery St. John · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm marking this as read, but honestly I only made it about halfway. It is really unusual for me to stop without finishing. But I could not go on. The low grade misogony and attempts to channel Dave Barry without being nearly as funny reached their peak when he describe a child trick or treating at his home as moving her skirt in a sultry manner...What? Yeah, I'm done.

[Jake Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book. Refreshing to know of this priest’s ways. I heard him give a sermon and had to buy his book!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 and reflection-on-life books I've read that are better. This book is good but not nearly as good as Sarah Miles, Rachel Held Evans, Brennan Manning, Ann Lamott and others. 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.