Stephen Mansfield. (2009) The Search for God and Guinness: A Biography of the Beer That Changed the World. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

For many years I was taught that the consumption of any kind of alcohol was incompatible with being a Christian. It was often emphasized that those who drink access a gateway to drunkenness. Even if Jesus turned water into wine, and Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine for his upset stomach, the reality was there was too much alcoholism in our world to even consider that these types of beverages could be consumed in moderation.

While it is true that many lack self-control, and that alcoholism is a serious issue, it is equally true that you cannot create a general rule about something that when used in moderation can be seen as a gift of God. We all know too much food can kill you but we still like to eat! We must start our discussion of alcoholic beverages, especially beer, acknowledging that the worst scenario isn’t the only scenario.

This is where Stephen Mansfield’s wonderful biography of the Guinness family is most helpful. In a world where the two primary drinking options was strong liquor or dirty water the Guinness family rose to prominence by providing a healthy alternative. What may now very well be the world’s most famous pilsner began as a saving gift of God.

As Mansfield shows the Guinness family has had ups and downs. There have been successes and failures, saints and sinner, and all that comes with the world of business. Nevertheless, the arch of the story is a family that used wealth and power to bring a healthy beverage to the masses, jobs to those in need, philanthropy to the needy, and Google style employee benefits before there was anything known as Google!

If you have ever wondered if God can use beer this book is worth your time. If you just happen to really like beer you will enjoy it as well. At the end I am sure you will close the book and say a little prayer of thanks for the goodness of this beverage and the family that made beer benefit society.