I probably risk losing readers with this one, but frankly if your opinion differs, feel free to let me know in a comment. Open and honest discussion is a cool thing. Oh, in the image to the left is a bottle of Pear and Its Spirit, a wonderful pear brandy from Black Star Farms Bed & Breakfast up in Suttons Bay, Michigan.
I’ve been a fairly open supporter of April being designated as Michigan Wine Month. As May July is also Michigan Beer Month … yeah, just keep this going! Maybe June can be Michigan Hard Liquor Month … with July maybe being Michigan Cherry Vodka month just for good measure …
I’m a good German-Lutheran, enjoying a good stout or draft now and then. I don’t drink much at all — truth be known, a six-pack of beer might actually last me a month or two. I love the flavor, the body, the heartiness of a good beer. I cook with wine, I drink it on occasion, I enjoy going to wine dinners at restaurants. A few years ago my dad and I finally drank together, having a couple shots of whiskey each while watching one of his favorite western movies. Yes, I go to a Free Methodist church regularly, and also drink moderately with those friends when the time is right.
Today the CBC reported on a new wine trail in Alabama … and the problems that have arisen. From the article:
A trade association and a tourism group came up with the Alabama Wine Trail to lure visitors to the state’s eight wineries, which produce everything from fruity muscadine and peach wines to more traditional varieties such as Merlot and Chardonnay … “We are on record as being opposed to any kind of alcohol-related industry,” said Rev. Robert Griffin, moderator of the Chilton Baptist Association and pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Clanton. “I would support visiting old, historic churches, but as far as visiting wineries …” Alabama law limits home wine production to five gallons (about 20 litres) at a time, and Beadles said his Alabama Wineries and Grape Growers Association hasn’t been able to get much support for increasing the cap for hobbyists … “We have such a Bible Belt population that when you say you’re going to increase production … in this state they think there will be a drunk in every house,” [Lee] Beadles said. “There are a lot of people in this state with wine in their closets.”
What a load of crap.
The Bible itself is laced with alcohol usage, from celebrations in the Jewish temples to Christ himself turning water into wine. The southern Baptists need to get a grip on reality. It’s seriously unfortunate for other Christians to end up being lumped in with rule-makers like these who haven’t a clue about anything but their wanting to control the actions and interests of others.
What if the wineries wanted to have dancing? Oh the humanity!
Maybe I’ll just pray for the southern Baptists to receive common sense. They seem to be in real need of it.
Well, I’m a Southern Baptist and as a revival preacher once said, “if Southern Baptists didn’t drink, they’d be shutting down bars and liquor stores all over this county.”
I’m not the world’s best example of a Southern Baptist, but I am in church 3 times a week and have taught Sunday School and various other things.
I am also a dedicated fan of craft beers and good wine as are plenty of my bretheren, so don’t go tossing us all in with this lot.
In their defense, while it is true that there is lots of drinking in the bible, some of it good, when people drink to excess, it often goes really, really (biblically?) bad.
I tend to go with the verse that says, (my paraphrase) “it is not what goes into the man that makes him evil, but what comes out.”
With all that said, what’s so silly about this, is that they are punishing a bunch of people who are going to be by and large responsible drinkers who are spending money with local people who take time and care with their craft. It’s the sort of example that should be held up instead of snuffed out.
Down here in Texas, we have some dry counties and one of my favorite BBQ joints sits in one. The upshot is that it’s BYOB. If you ever get to Austin or San Antonio, the Salt Lick is a lot of fun. But barbecue is a whole other topic.
Just read last night about all your medical woes. Glad you’re back posting again. Hope you’re feeling well.
Eric, great to hear from you! I’d been wondering how you’re doing down there.
As far as Southern Baptists go, while I understand many are now imbibing responsibly like yourself, the Southern Baptist Convention still highly, strongly, almost forcefully “recommends” total abstinence based on what I read as quite flimsy arguments. And I do have to say that, even though Mary and I attend a free Methodist church here in Michigan, they also “advocate” an alcohol-free lifestyle. My overall problem with this is that it denies the simple fact that our God-given freewill is as individual as a person’s metabolism. People do have the ability to control how much they drink. For these organizations to lack the ability to recognize this, does their members an extreme disservice when it comes to caring for the individual.
You have a BBQ joint that’s BYOB?? Wow, we just might have to come visit!
As far as those medical problems, I’ll still be weak for a few more weeks from the blood loss. We’re taking lots of walks to help get my strength back. Many thanks for the concern, it’s much appreciated.
i agree! Objects and things aren’t inherently evil, people are, we just like the place the blame on things outside ourselves. If beer is the evil, then jesus died for the wrong thing.
Hi Emily! I’m sure it helps that your dad also makes some of the best craft beer I’ve ever tasted. 😉 We miss youz guyzes!
What about the arcane law here in Michigan that prohibits alcohol sales on Sunday until after noon? I think that thing needs to go the way of the dinosaurs. A Sunday brunch at the Common Grill in Chelsea just isn’t the same without a mimosa. And what about those critical situations when the Sunday NASCAR race at MIS starts at 2:00 and we have to be at the track by noon but we neglected to buy beer to take with us the night before? That, my friends, is a seriously bad situation!
Honestly, why is this law still on the books? Was it meant to force people to go to church on Sunday instead of going to a bar to drink? Really, now, if someone wants to get drunk before noon on a Sunday they will find a way to do it at home.
Sarah, that’s an excellent set of questions … particularly since churches are serving wine at communion during those hours. Why should they be allowed a monopoly?? 😉 I believe that’s referred to as a “Puritan law” and for obvious reasons.
Dave:
Your point is well made and I am in complete agreement with the conclusion. I am reminded of this joke:
Q: Why are (insert the denomination of your choice here) opposed to premarital sex?
A: Because it might lead to dancing.
Sometimes we can’t see the forest but for the trees, eh?
“Sometimes we can’t see the forest but for the trees, eh?” Got that right … especially since discussing this issue with some folks leaves me barking up the wrong tree. 😉
I thought July was Michigan Beer Month? Now I’m confused .. 🙂
No, you’re right. I got some bad info from someone and didn’t check it. I’ll fix this post … thanks for reminding me!