A reader writes to say he’s thinking about getting involved in Christian beermaking. He sends this along:

1) Inspired by Norcia monks

I’m personally inspired by all monks and many brewers, so the fact that the Norcia monks are brewing beer, and that monks in general have been brewing for hundreds of years, seems to me to be a clear indicator that brewing can be a Christian vocation. Add to that the fact that beer has the ability to bring people together, and that local pubs are in many was an icon of stability and place, I’d say the Ben Op Brewpub is a surefire thing.

2) My personal experience with homebrewing

I’m a chemical biologist, and am currently working in the biotech startup world. I began homebrewing a few years ago when I realized that I was growing microbes in lab, and might as well get something enjoyable out of them by growing them at home. My experience so far has been nothing but a success. While I wouldn’t say I’m a stellar homebrewer (I’m still limited by scale to partial-yeast-extract recipes), I’ve had encouraging reviews from friends and coworkers who’ve tried my brews.

3) Moral / ethical concerns

I became Christian in the Baptist tradition, of which I am still an official member though my mind is far more in line with Orthodoxy. I reconciled my Baptist “upbringing” with a more Biblical attitude towards alcohol many years ago, but in conversations with people who have been personally affected by alcoholism, I’ve been thinking about the role of pubs/bars in society, and what sort of responsibility a brewer has towards his neighbors, and how one might be an effective Christian witness in this vocation.

4) Do you have any readers or contacts in brewing?

I’m interested in you’ve talked to anyone else about how brewing might play a role in the Benedict Option. While I would never venture into such a major career change without the support of my wife, I am seriously considering brewing as a plan B should Christians suddenly find themselves completely unwelcome in my current industry. This is a skill I am intentionally developing, and I would like to know if others are doing so. If you have any contacts, I would be most appreciative.

What do you think? If you can help this guy, let him know in the contents, or write to me at rod — at — amconmag — dot — com, and I’ll pass it on to him. Put “BEER” in the subject line, please.