Having a cold one while attending church -- it's something many people may dream about, but it has become a reality in one church.
Last weekend, East Side Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, invited the public for "Beer and Hymns", and its a decision thats turning heads.
First Christian Church member Michael Riggs said the event was designed to be an outreach event.
The church is one of four and a local seminary which hosted Portland author Christian Piatt. "It's a chance to reach a wide demographic of people to ask the questions of what's happening in our Christian world, what's happening in our churches, and what's happening in our community," Riggs said.
They discussed the future of the Christian church in the 21st century and beyond and hoped others would be enticed to come spend part of their weekend, especially if a couple of beers are involved.
You know this kind of thinking might just be what saves Christianity in the long run.
I for one am more much more open to discussing imaginary sky people when I'm hammered.
I can see the church signs now, "Come for the suds, stay for the salvation."
Brilliant.
As a young man, I attended a few evangelical churches, and was studying Koine Greek, (the language of some of the earliest New Testament manuscripts)
ReplyDeleteThe fundie preachers used to argue drinking any alcohol was a sin, and that the wine that Jesus made from water at a wedding was just grape juice.
Since I was something of a gadfly and more well read on the ancient language than the preachers, I got in trouble with them for pointing out that wine and beer is what the texts refer to, and that their claims were prejudiced.
But what's next to try and pander to the "unwashed, unbeliever" that they want to tempt into their churches?
Grocery coupons? Free car wash with every service?
How about opening a bar in the church basement with live bands, strippers, and Hooter style waitresses?
Make it mimosas and eggs Benedict, and I might consider it.
ReplyDeletePoliticians love drunk voters
ReplyDelete~Canuck~
I have never really understood the conviction held by so many that drinking is a sin.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of potable water available then was nowhere near what it is today, considering how deep they could dig and it isn't the DRINKING that should be considered a sin.
The quote says (and I may be little off here) "Take unto thyself food and drink, yet not unto excess. GLUTTONY is the sin."
That means, to my feeble mind at least, that getting drunk is the problem, as is eating too much. Which means that a HUGE number of people are sinning their asses ON by allowing themselves to get obese (assuming they aren't one of the few who actually have a medically induced obesity problem) through over eating!
But do they see that? HELL NO! They are the CHOSEN ONES! They can't sin because they are forgiven! Besides, they're more intent on yelling about YOUR sins!
Gag me with a spoon!
Head over to your local Cracker Barrel after Sunday services, and check out who's eating the big brunch with eggs, ham, bacon, grits, waffles, and biscuits with sausage gravy.
DeleteSorry, 7:28, but I try to avoid that area like the plague when services let out.
DeleteWhen I have to, I find the manners of the other drivers have disappeared and the sounds of all the squealing and grunting emanating from places like that remind of the farms that raise pigs.
But there are a lot of places like that which just goes to prove LOTS of pigs, er, people want to pig out AND my point!
Sorry. There should be a comma after "have to", not a period.
DeleteThis is wrong. Alcohol kills. They should be offering pot.
ReplyDeleteThere are several beer and hymns programs. This one is in a pub.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.iberkshires.com/story/47034/Lager-Latin-on-Tap-for-Local-Faithful.html
Maybe the Palins could get their children to finally attend church services, although punching THIS home owner could really put Bristol in some hot water, both in this life as well as for eternity.
ReplyDeleteWell the Saint in NY City knew how to mix alcohol with worshiping in a church. Without the religion of course.
ReplyDeleteGet emmmm drunk and they put more money in the basket....:).
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there's a cover charge? If there's a new way to grift, these folks will find it! They're usually pretty "Frugal" with the appetizers and rarely serve snacks or dinner, perhaps if the food gets better (and visible and in good portions) they'll get better reviews on Yelp! But even then, I ain't goin'
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