In the next couple of weeks, my new book The Beer Option is coming out. I’m adding to the many options that have been proposed recently with one to which I hope we can all raise our glasses!
But, what is the Beer Option? It proposes a renewal of Catholic culture by attending to the small but significant things of life, such as beer. Brewing teaches us that we need to be creators of culture, ordering all of our work and leisure to the glory of God. It also pushes for a return to a local and home economy, greater festivity, and renewed fellowship.
The monks, among the best brewers in the world, model the Beer Option. They approach brewing through their spirituality of ora et labora (prayer and work). The Benedictines perfected modern brewing practices in the Dark Ages and continue to brew to support their monasteries. They show us that focusing on God above all else helps us to be better at our work and to build genuine Christian culture.
If you want to experience the Beer Option, a group of TCM readers and Exodus 90 alumns will be gathering at St. Joseph Farm in North Carolina this November 9-11. I will be talking about beer and the renewal of Catholic culture and we’ll have time for work, prayer, and festive fun. There will be beer, of course, but overall it’s an experience of Catholic culture—how we integrate everything we do through our faith.
Here are some reasons why you should consider coming:
- Meet other great Catholic men who love beer, who want to roll up their sleeves, and have a good time.
- Among them, you get to meet Jason Craig, the editor of Those Catholic Men and the founder of St. Joseph’s Farm. The farm is nestled in beautiful western North Carolina, not far from the Smokey Mountains.
- Jason will be leading us in slaughtering a pig and roasting it ourselves, which we’ll be enjoying alongside of some beer.
- You get a free copy of The Beer Option, which lays out the vision for the retreat in more detail. I’ll be there to sign it!
- The goal of the Beer Option retreat is to inspire you to see the world anew with a sacramental understanding of how God can shape everything in your life, including drinking. As St. Paul said, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God!” (1 Cor 10:31).