historic craftsmanship, and integrity with the trade.Posted on 02/16/2007 12:51:42 PM PST by Gamecock
People have described some of the contemporary practices within evangelicalism as being driven by consumerism. We can see evidences of this with many of the popular devices that are employed, whether it be in the altering of vocabulary, the transition from preaching to conversations, the emphasis upon felt needs rather than spiritual needs, the polling of unbelievers as to how church should be conducted, a deemphasis upon doctrine, a redefinition of Jesus as weak and effeminate, and an idolatrous portrayal of a God who’s love is able to trump his righteousness. Regrettably, all of these things are common today.
Even here in Omaha we have seen a confessionally evangelical church, with a history of teaching the Bible, hang up pictures of the Pope and encourage believers to be more like him. Proponents of this type of reproachable compromise argue that such things are done to attract the large Catholic community that surrounds the church.
In effort to create something that is universally accepted by all, even unbelievers and heretics, such people are unwittingly making themselves irrelevant. The church is supposes to be different, we are supposed to have distinct contours that reflect our God who has called out us of the world and given us the same message to proclaim to a world who does not know him.
Nashville is Ironically Similar to St. Louis
It is ironic to me, when considering this problem, that many evangelicals have much in common with an industry they despise. I see a great similarity between the American evangelical church and the major American Beer manufacturers.
Most beer people will tell you that aside from a few minor variances American Beer (particularly light beer) tastes the same. It lacks flavor, it is low in alcoholic content, and it is painfully watered down. American evangelicalism likewise has become incredibly bland, lacking a punch, and is too, painfully watered down.
I can go to the local Southern Baptist megachurch (Bud-Light) and receive the same flavorless biblical preaching that I can receive at the local E-Free megachurch (Michelob Light). This of course is with the exception of some variant marketing slogans and aesthetics.
It seems as though the evangelical church is learning ministry from the beer industry. They have a product that is so diluted and so non-distinct but is so well marketed that when people are in the mood for you they will imbibe without being offended and while temporarily feeling better.
Calvinism the Import
On the other hand you have the Micro-Brews & imports. These guys are the Reformed wing of the church. They have unabashed loyalty to flavor, historic craftsmanship, and integrity with the trade.
I once heard Jim Koch, the founder and CEO of Samuel Adams, say that “We make beer for people who like flavor. If you do not like flavor, you will not like Sam Adams.” (my paraphrase).
The Reformed movement cares more about the product than the consumer. The glory of God trumps the comfort of the ‘seeker’. It seeks to faithfully produce authentic and flavorful preaching, teaching and living to the glory of God.
However, just as Sam Adams, Guinness, and others are not for everyone, apparently the same is true with Reformed theology. Many people complain that Calvinists are too strong-minded, to doctrinal, too mean, and too much into theology.
I recently heard D.A. Carson say that Willow Creek has not grown in years and have now begun trying to jump into other streams to attract people. Conversely, Reformed theology is growing in this country (so are the Micro-brews and imports).
Apparently people like substance and authenticity. Instead of being flavored water, it is high time that the church, the very people who are supposed and expected to be different, would step up and be who they are called to be, distinct, refreshing, flavorful and enjoyable.
What a great article! Thanks for the ping.
My pleasure!
You just never know what you'll find in the blogosphere!
"Give me a dark beer, or give me water."
The opinion of one PCA elder, me.
I gladly submit to your authority.
:>)
I haven't had the Calvin Beer yet, but I love their web site.
Can Catholics be Guinness?
Light beer can be traced directly to 1920 and the 19th Amendment which brought in the feminization of the church; tea instead of coffee during the fellowship hour; sandwiches without crusts; and nuturing in place of a soft ball team for church functions. I will write more about this later after I finish getting all the things on the shopping list my wife gave me.
I'm feeling ecumenical. Why not!
That bottle of Calvinus: is that real or Photochop? If real, where can it be had?
Lookie here (calvinus.com).
It is the real deal.
See my post 8 for the Official Calvinus beer website.
I don't know where you can get it, it is brewed in Geneva. Maybe make friends with the local beer distributor?
I am planning a trip to Geneva this summer and will file a report on the beer when I return.
Unless shopping is last on your honey-do list, sure she'll let you take the time?
A toast to Brother Martin and Brother John.
Irish Catholics can. German Catholics are Späten or Dinkelacker.
Wrong amendment, it was #18, not #19. Prohibition wiped out all (legal) breweries. The ones the started up again afterwards were big ones that had survived financially by doing other stuff in the meantime. Their revived products converged on a least-common-denominator inoffensive tasteless crud that they could sell to the greatest number of unsuspecting Americans who had never tasted real beer.
Fortunately, we're getting back to the way things used to be.
When I was in Rome last year I had an Italian beer, can't remember the name, but it had what appeared to be a mustached man in his late 50s wearing a fedora.
It struck me as funny because he looked like my German grandfather.
I'll drink to that. (Of course out of Christian liberty and not looking down on those who don't.)
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