It is reasonably well known that one of the world’s most successful beer brands started two hundred and fifty years ago when Arthur Guinness started brewing ales in Ireland. The lesser-known story which is told by this book is the story of how numerous members of the Guinness brewing dynasty were strong Christians, and it is interesting to observe the interplay between faith and commerce, particularly in the attitudes shown towards employee assistance.
While the book is entertaining to read, it seemed to me to be essentially a sentimental apologetic for beer, addressed to a predominantly abstemious Christian audience. Guinness is good for you, the author would have us believe, whereas those other non-beer alcoholic drinks are bad for you. Prohibition in the US last century was a failure because it encouraged people to drink bad alcohol instead of good beer.
Beer seems to be making a comeback in Christian circles, particularly amongst post-modern emerging-church types who want to be manly and relevant. This would be a good book for them to give to their concerned mothers.
Disclosure: This review has been prepared as part of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program.