Here on St. Patrick's Day, a few fun facts in honor of my great historical mentor (and subject of my doctoral thesis titled "The Transformational Missiological Leadership of St. Patrick").
St. Patrick: YES there was BEER involved in his mission in the 400's, to tell the Celts the good news of God's love through Jesus Christ. He does not mention beer in the two short works he left to history, "The Confession" and "Letter to Coroticus," which can be read in one sitting here https://www.confessio.ie/#
BUT beer is mentioned as part of the mission when it is first described in writing by someone else, a number of years later. Patrick took with him to Ireland many priests, deacons, bakers, etc as part of a large team. Included in the list is a personal beer brewer for Patrick. It would have been not just for merriment, but also for something clean to drink in swampy areas with no potable water they might encounter.
[picture of the oldest church in Ireland, traceable to the time of St Patrick: Saul Church]
Guinness Beer: Was not in existence in Patrick's day. But it is an outstanding example of Christian Irish business people, inheriting the faith of St. Patrick, living 'on mission for Christ' through good, profitable work and blessing others purposefully, starting in the 1700's. I learned this from the book "The Search for God and Guinness: A Biography of the Beer That Changed the World."
I recommend this as a quick, enjoyable, spiritually encouraging read. From the book jacket:
"It began in Ireland in the mid 1700s. The water in Ireland, indeed throughout Europe, was famously undrinkable, and the gin and whiskey that took its place devastated civil society. It was a disease ridden, starvation-plagued, alcoholic age, and Christians like Arthur Guinness—as well as monks and even evangelical churches—brewed beer that provided a healthier alternative to the poisonous waters and liquors of the times. This is where the Guinness tale began. Now, 250 years and over 150 countries later, Guinness is a global brand, one of the most consumed beverages in the world. The tale that unfolds during those two and a half centuries has power to thrill audiences today: the generational drama, business adventure, industrial and social reforms, deep-felt faith, and the noble beer itself.
For readers who love history, cultural studies, religious debate, and stories of business success.
What readers will learn with this book...
- The earthy, human, and holy importance of honing a craft over time
- Example of a family seeking to do good in the world as an offering to God
- How unexpected and small things impact the history of humanity
- Inspirational fuel for entrepreneurial dreams"
So tonight, Angie and I will toast St. Patrick with a Guinness. And I will recount again how the study of his spiritual and entrepreneurial leadership has so influenced me and my work. So, in the words of the common Irish toast - Slainte! It literally means 'health,' with the feeling of when we say 'cheers!'
