Drinking With Calvin and Luther!: A History of Alcohol in the Church

by Jim West

This book is in very good condition, first oakdown edition, minimal shelfwear and use

Genres: History, Theology, Cultural, Christian, Alcohol, Food, Biblical Studies

216 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Sean Rhoades · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book once again demonstrates that what American Evangelicals espouse is really a product of the 19th century. Culture, rather than Scripture, informs their beliefs (or at least biases their hermeneutic). Most Fundamentalist Evangelicals abstain from alcohol, or will drink very little, because they think that alcohol is evil or not really meant to be enjoyed. Squaring this view with Scripture and the history of the church is impossible. The Bible is clear over and over again that wine (alcohol) is a good gift of God and it is meant to be enjoyed. Yet teetotaler fundamentalists call good evil and evil good. Their desire to add credence to their position goes so far as to make baseless claims about grape juice instead of wine and when wine was used in the Bible it was a lower alcohol percentage.

Ironically, while many Christians appeal to the Puritans for their piety, they tend to ignore the fact that by today's American cultural standards the Puritans would be classified as heavy drinkers! Not only did they drink heartily, they loaded their ships with thousands and thousands of gallons of beer and wine and when they arrived they brewed and distilled their own drink!

The Bible says wine is a gift of God, designed to gladden the heart of man. Even Jesus was a social drinker as he came eating and drinking. The use of alcohol and wine in the Bible and in the history of church is inescapable. For one to somehow claim that general abstinence is somehow more holy is a gross perversion of Scripture. No matter the topic, we need to be Biblical, and not allow the culture to inform our views.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and informative. I would add convincing, but does anyone really doubt that the great saints of the past enjoyed wine and beer as a gifts from God?

What it does, though, is show just how much the godliest in Church history enjoyed alcohol, removing as it does so the last affects on the reader of the fundamentalist attitude. In fact, it helps us to see that 'getting the effect' of alcohol is actually one of the blessings of it! The great sin of drunkenness did not put these saints off encouraging the right use of what God has given.

They understood that sin is in man, not in the fermentation or distillation of any fruit or grain.

The exegetical work at the end is also very rich and edifying.

Loved it. Should be read with a glass or two of wine or a few good beers!

[Todd Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthwhile read. The author pushes a bit far from time to time. But this is a worthy look at this subject from a church history standpoint. He also does well explaining the Bible’s position and the reason Jesus used wine when He established the Lord’s Supper.

[Sarah Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many great examples and quotes, from the Pilgrims' panic ("we've run out of beer! Bring back the makings from England!!") to their appreciation for rum, to Calvin and Luther's insistence that God gave the joy of alcohol while the Devil leads toward drunkenness. I sure hope that the author is making grand royalties, because he's earned it. It's not all historical research - some of it is the equivalent of 'three theology students at a bar' - and the style is homespun articulate goodness. Praise the Lord and pass the ale.

[Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you have any idea of just how much alcohol the pilgrims coming from England brought with them? This book will answer that question and give you much more regarding alcohol, the Scriptures, God, and christians. The author is pastor of a Reformed Church (go figure :+) and has written several articles for Table Talk. A word of caution is due, if you do not enjoy sarcasm, as he tends to be sarcastic in many places. Overall excellent read, if one is not familiar with this topic.

[Judith Kimsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

"One trap Christians frequently fall into is allowing their morals to be based more on cultural standards and personal taste than Scripture." (pg. 108)

Lots of fun historical facts in this book--like that Katherine Luther was a licensed brewer and that the Puritans brought beer with them to the New World--which will make many American teetotalers very uncomfortable. It also offers a strong challenge to abstention/prohibition, although the author would benefit from approaching his exegesis more even-handedly. He paints Calvinists and Armenians with too broad a stroke and argues those who don't use fermented wine for communion are offending God. (I suggest it's a matter of personal conviction.) At the same time, the reader will laugh at times (and possibly at themselves) and pull some nice quotes from the text.

This is a quick read for anyone who wonders WHY some American Christians (especially in the South) are so opposed to drinking alcohol. But don't turn to Mr. West for pulpit-ready research.

[D Franklin Pack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheers! to Jim West for his educational and amusing history of alcohol in the church. Whether one is looking for an excuse to drink, or support for abstinence, without compromising their Christian standards, or, like myself, just simply trying to learn something, this book is loaded with historical information on the cultural side of the issue and many Bible references on the theological side. I especially liked the chapter on “Drinking in Early America” and the sometimes-not-so-subtle allusions to predestination sprinkled throughout the text. Since I obtained this book for reference purposes, I just wish that my copy included an Index for easy lookup.

[Rev James · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interesting, perspective, history, good biblical grounding. Very much brings into question the American denominations like Methodists or Baptists that condemn drinking. I do get it. There are way too many people who abuse alcohol, they need to get a clue. But you can't condemn alcohol, like guns, for that matter. Both serve a positive purpose. Alcohol can be healthy for you and used with some common sense, can be a positive. For those who are stupid and weak, they need alcohol what we used to call "beer muscles". I'm a big tough guy when I drink. Sad and laughable. Very short book on an interesting topic and worth reading.

[H Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

He makes his point and I agree with him, but the long, long string of anecdotes citing the drinking of wine and beer by various figures from the Bible, pre/post Reformation, etc. got a little onerous. Scripture references were helpful in his argument.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read including scripture references and above all, gratefulness for the blessing God gives to us in wine, and beer. When we drink to honor him and not to excess or embarrassment, we drink in his goodness.

[R S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads somewhat like a text book in terms of how it relays information, but lacks the dryness and depth of a textbook. I struggle between 2 or 3 stars. Good reference in a certain sense.

[Jim Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this to anyone wondering how a Christain should approach alcohol.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of Christians--both Catholic and Protestant--believe that total abstention from alcohol is necessary for salvation. I never understood that, because of all the references to wine and other "strong drink" in the Bible, but I never thought to undertake a thorough examination of the issue. But Jim West, a pastor at Covenant Reformed Church in California and graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary, did; and the result is this revised and expanded edition of his original "underground" book.

The book is divided into two main parts: History, in which he presents an overwhelming amount of evidence that many church fathers, Protestant and Catholic, believed that beer, wine, and spirits are a gift from God to be enjoyed in moderation and in joyous gratitude; and Theology, which focuses more on verses from Scripture and their interpretation, or misinterpretation.

There is even a guide at the end of the book for newcomers to beer and wine, explaining how both are made and the differences between various types, varietals, and expressions.

It's a very entertaining book, and also uplifting because of West's constant reminders that alcohol can and should be consumed, in moderation, with joyful thanks to God for providing us with a gift that gladdens our hearts, eases our sorrows, and deepens our fellowship with each other.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical Christians tend to overcorrect. We see the significant destruction abuse of alcohol has wrought, and we want to ban it all. But to do that is to cast aside a good gift of God. Its like forbidding all eating just because so many abuse food and overeat. The Bible is clear -- drunkenness and/or addiction: bad, drinking (in moderation): good.

Rev. Jim West makes an airtight case that the Reformers had a far different view than post-Temperance Movement pietists. And he does it with sly humor and real style. This is a truly wonderful book on a lot of levels -- history, Christian living, arts and culture, Biblcial studies, humor. Its even got chapters on how to select a good drink. Really loved this book.

[Scarlett Sims · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but I didn't love it. I think it is important for there to be books like this written about what the Christian, or at least reformed, position on drinking is. I wish he author had included more in the "historical" section of the book because he states at the beginning that temperance is a largely recent invention, but in the history section he really doesn't go beyond the 1700s. One thing I did like was his assumption that using wine in a Protestant service would not be abnormal. It's a good overview and there are some beer and wine tasting recommendations in the back, but I would like to read something more in-depth on the subject.

[Relstuart · Rating 2 out of 5]

A somewhat flippant book with lots of jokes and historically suspect funny stories. The author does have some good points and fun stories but if you are looking for something with a serious intellectual/historical bent this may be disappointing.

Chapter 7 was on scripture and drinking and contained a good section on translation and how different translations have translated the same word differently in different places in the bible to make use of fermented beverages seem more negative than the original text does.

It is also written from a Calvinistic point of view. Not everyone's cup of tea or viewpoint.

[Sean Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

West wets the whistle with fun and history in his guide to the God-given goodness of beer and wine.

I read an article by West titled "The Christology of Wine" quite a while ago on (the now defunct theological website) antithesis.com not realizing until buying this book that the article was adapted from chapter 6. The Lord began to convict me back then that I had an unbiblical attitude toward wine. A lot has changed since then and now my heart is much more glad.

[Josh Crews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful book, using many anecdotes from the Reformers and their attitudes toward drink, that is persuasive at making you praise God who created wine and beer. After reading this book, I smile at Jesus, the king of the wine makers, when I have a glass of wine. When God made the grape, it was good. Very good.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gave it to my dad - haven't gotten it back yet. :) I really enjoyed the third or so that I did read, though. It was different than what I'm used to hearing (more the very hesitant "an occassional glass of wine is okay), though true to what I understand from Scripture, so I appreciated the new perspective.

[Tyler Recker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally enjoyed and liked the book. Appreciated the history portions, although it seemed a tad disorganized and disjointed. Would have liked a few footnotes for some of his historical research. Beer grading section is definitely outdated (as the book admits).

Again though, overall, I enjoyed it.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book filled to the brim with trivia, history, humor, and a biblical background. I have left with a better appreciation and respect for the gift of wine and beer. A responsibility to be respected and enjoyed. Cheers!:)

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent pamphlet defending the Biblical use of alcohol, albeit in moderation. There is a fun section in the back entitled "Rating Favorite Beers," many of the descriptions also include a taste of Pastor Jim West's well-developed sense of humor.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny.

[Adam]

Intoxicating research.

[Jerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of fun and interesting material, but it was also obnoxious in places. And the beer guide at the back is lacking. All to say I wanted to rate it higher.

[Bob Ladwig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, a nice bird's eye history of drinking in Protestant history. Well written, researched, and humorous.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this, mainly historical, discussion of drinking. It was cheerful and hearty and full of Reformation tales.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and informative!

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I laughed out loud throughout this book. A fun read that gives a concise history of Protestants use of alcohol. A good book, though the beer guide in the back is lacking.