Brew Like a Monk
[image error]I just received a brochure from my old seminary. I don’t always pay much attention to these advertisements, but this one caught my eye. I live a bit too far away to take advantage of many of their programs, but I may have to make an exception for this one.
This particular brochure was announcing “a spiritual formation elective.” The names for such elective courses and seminars can be rather innocuous at times. One often sees titles such as “A Walk with Jesus,” or “Conversations with the Spirit of God.” This one seemed like an interesting departure from the “same old, same old.”
“Brew Like a Monk”
The title is “Brew Like a Monk: Fermentation as Spiritual Practice.” How can you pass up a class like that? It’s certainly not something you see every day. Pre-registration for this baby might go through the roof. One thing’s for sure. I need to beef up the titles of my retreats and seminars. They pale in comparison.
The description of the program reads as follows:
“For centuries, beer has been a means for spiritual growth—from monks embracing the contemplative process of brewing ‘liquid bread’ to the ways it has stimulated meaningful conversations when shared. Fermentation as well provides a rich metaphor for the transformation into which the Spirit invites us. Come explore the connections among beer, monastic practice, and spiritual ‘fermentation.’”
Take awhile to let that description soak in.
I particularly like the reference to beer as “liquid bread.” I guess I may have heard it put that way before, but it’s been awhile. It’s definitely catchy.
I Googled the phrase (isn’t that what we all do these days?) and discovered there’s a gastro pub in Campbell, California with that name. It’s not too far from San Jose in case you happen to get out that way.
There’s also a magazine with that title that publishes “beer news.” I know a few people that would love this mag. It, too, is based in California (where else?), centering in and around the bay area of San Francisco.
“Is Beer Actually Liquid Bread?”
In my research, I ran across an interesting article that asked the literary question, “Is Beer Actually Liquid Bread?” You may want to check it out. I won’t tell you the answer here. It was also published by a California concern.
[image error]There definitely seems to be a pattern emerging. I checked, however, and found that the leader of the seminary program seems to be from Pennsylvania. I guess California doesn’t have the liquid bread thing all locked up after all.
Actually, the history of beer is a long and storied one. Archaeological evidence for it dates back to 3000 BC (or thereabouts). There are many references to it in Scripture, although many of those don’t place its usage in such a good light. I guess that’s understandable considering how we human beings tend to abuse this noble beverage.
If I can find the time (and the money), I just may have to head back to seminary for a few days.
[Dave Zuchelli is a graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and is currently the pastor of Smith Chapel, in Great Falls, VA.]
The post Brew Like a Monk appeared first on Dave Zuchelli.
