The Lost Art of Catholic Drinking

[eating_nachos]

There is Protestant drinking and there is Catholic drinking, and the difference is more than mere quantity. I have no scientific data to back up my claims, nor have I completed any formal studies. But I have done a good bit of, shall we say, informal study, which for a hypothesis like this is probably the best kind.

To begin with, what is Catholic drinking? It's hard to pin down, but here's a historical example. St. Arnold (580-640), also known as St. Arnulf of Metz, was a seventh-century bishop of Metz, in what later became France. Much beloved by the people, St. Arnold is said to have preached against drinking water, which in those days could be extremely dangerous owing to unsanitary sewage systems — or no sewage system at all. At the same time, he frequently touted the benefits of beer and is credited with having once said, "From man's sweat and God's love, beer came into the world."

Wise words, and St. Arnold's flock took them to heart. After his death, the good bishop was buried at a monastery near Remiremont, France, where he had retired. However, his flock missed him and wanted him back, so in 641, having gotten approval to exhume St. Arnold's remains, they carried him in procession back to Metz for reburial in the Basilica of the Holy Apostles. Along the way, it being a hot day, they got thirsty and stopped at an inn for some beer. Unfortunately, the inn had just enough left for a single mug; the processionals would have to share. As the tale goes, the mug did not run dry until all the people had drunk their fill.

Now, I'm not saying that Catholic drinking involves miracles, or that a miracle should occur every time people get together to imbibe. But good beer — and good wine for that matter — is a small miracle in itself, being a gift from God to His creatures, whom He loves. And as G. K. Chesterton wrote in Orthodoxy, "We should thank God for beer and burgundy by not drinking too much of them." In other words, we show our gratitude to God for wine and beer by enjoying these things, in good cheer and warm company, but not enjoying them to excess.

Just what constitutes excess is for each person to judge for himself. However, we now approach the main difference between Catholic drinking and Protestant drinking. Protestant drinking tends to occur at one extreme or another: either way too much or none at all, with each being a reaction to the other. Some people, rightly fed up with the smug self-righteousness of teetotalers, drink to excess. And teetotalers, rightly appalled at the habits of habitual drunkards, practice strict abstinence. It seems to occur to neither side that their reaction is just that: a reaction, and not a solution. If they considered it a bit, they might see a third way that involves neither drunkenness nor abstinence, yet is consistent with healthy, honest, humane Christian living.

Here we encounter Catholic drinking. Catholic drinking is that third way, the way to engage in an ancient activity enjoyed by everyone from peasants to emperors to Jesus Himself. And again, it is not just about quantity. In fact, I think the chief element is conviviality. When friends get together for a drink, it may be to celebrate, or it may be to mourn. But it should always be to enjoy one another's company. (Yes, there is a time and place for a solitary beer, but that is the exception.)

For example: The lectures at the annual Chesterton conference are themselves no more important than the attendees later discussing those same lectures over beer and wine (we tend to adhere to Hilaire Belloc's rule of thumb, which is to avoid alcoholic beverages developed after the Reformation). These gatherings occur between talks, during talks — indeed, long into the night — and we typically fall into bed pleasantly stewed. I cannot imagine a Chesterton conference without this. And yet I also know how detrimental it would be if we all stumbled back to our rooms roaring drunk.

Avoid each extreme — that's how you drink like a Catholic. This is the art of Catholic drinking. There are plenty of our brethren who consider drinking somehow immoral, and there are plenty of others who think drinking must end with great intoxication. But the balanced approach — the Catholic approach — means having a good time, a good laugh, sometime a good cry, but always with joy and gratitude for God's generosity in giving us such wonders as beer and burgundy. Remember that, and the lost art of Catholic drinking may not remain lost.

http://catholicgentleman.net/2014/02/01/the-lost-art-of-catholic-drinking/

[Kaesekopf]

One of my favorite pastimes is talking theology or churchy things and drinking a few good brews or bourbon. 

[OCLittleFlower]

So Catholics can't have vodka?

I'm out!   

In seriousness, I have major issues with the drinking culture that predominates in the US -- focused on hookups and purposeful drunkenness rather than relaxation and enjoyment. 

That said, I don't think it is bad in and of itself to avoid alcohol -- some people's bodies don't handle it well or they get headaches from even small amounts.  Luckily I'm not like that (my mom is, though) but I can't handle beer in any amount.  One sip = illness.  It seems to be the hops itself, though, because I wound up pretty ill after smelling a bowl of hops plants on a brewery tour.

[Greg]

I was reading the other day about St. Vladimir of Kiev and Christianity coming to the Russians.  He sent his wisest men as envoys to judge Judaism, Byzantine Christianity and Islam before converting to the religion he liked best.

Their verdict on Islam was, "They don't eat pork, they are rather dirty and smelly and their religion also forbids drinking alcohol".

His response was.  "But drinking is the JOY of the Rus !"

How little things change.

[red solo cup]

"Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine,
a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy".  B.Franklin

[dymphna17]

For some reason, Trads seem to be known for their love of beer and spirits.  Especially their beer knowledge.  Of course the prots use this as proof they are not the "real" Church.  And just try reminding them of their own history throughout the ages...  phew!   

[Older Salt]

Why do Evangelical Prots [Baptists etc] deride the drinking of alcohol?

I never understood this.

They have no problem with masturbation and divorce etc.

[maryslittlegarden]

Why do Evangelical Prots [Baptists etc] deride the drinking of alcohol?

I never understood this.

They have no problem with masturbation and divorce etc.

Because of verses like this (and yes I know it's not a Catholic thing)
Ephesians 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury; but be ye filled with the holy Spirit,

It's what happens with the idea of Sola Scriptura and I can interpret things anyway I want. 

[dymphna17]

Why do Evangelical Prots [Baptists etc] deride the drinking of alcohol?

I never understood this.

They have no problem with masturbation and divorce etc.

Because of verses like this (and yes I know it's not a Catholic thing)
Ephesians 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury; but be ye filled with the holy Spirit,

It's what happens with the idea of Sola Scriptura and I can interpret things anyway I want.

Then you bring in pseudo saints like Carrie Nation, and you have yourself a Movement!  Because all who drink are alcoholics of course.   

It's just another version of extremism and the belief that feelings are everything, taken too far.  Nobody likes an alcoholic, but that doesn't mean everyone is.

[LouisIX]

One of my favorite pastimes is talking theology or churchy things and drinking a few good brews or bourbon.

You should add single malt scotch to that list.

[Kaesekopf]

One of my favorite pastimes is talking theology or churchy things and drinking a few good brews or bourbon.

You should add single malt scotch to that list.

Bring a bottle (or five) back on up here and we can make that happen....

[Ancilla Domini]

Where does Eastern Orthodox drinking fit into this, I wonder?

[LouisIX]

One of my favorite pastimes is talking theology or churchy things and drinking a few good brews or bourbon.

You should add single malt scotch to that list.

Bring a bottle (or five) back on up here and we can make that happen....

Deal.  I'll introduce you to my friends Glenlivet and Glenmorangie.

[Ancilla Domini]

Where does Eastern Orthodox drinking fit into this, I wonder?

I'm thinking this might actually be more of a Northern Europe - Southern Europe dichotomy than a Catholic - Protestant one.

[rbjmartin]

One of my favorite pastimes is talking theology or churchy things and drinking a few good brews or bourbon.

You should add single malt scotch to that list.

Bring a bottle (or five) back on up here and we can make that happen....

Deal.  I'll introduce you to my friends Glenlivet and Glenmorangie.

In the past year, I have become a bit of a Scotch nerd. I went to a Glenmorangie tasting a couple of weeks ago. Good stuff, but I am more into the peaty stuff. Caol Ila and Highland Park are my favorites so far.