It is a sacramental experience where in every chapter you will encounter the mystery and power of the "Holy Spirit" and how the "Connecting Spirit of God" brings people together in friendship, love, and celebration of life. And in enjoying a superior brew with a good friend or friends.

Besides, how can you not want to read a book, become friends with, break bread with, or share a beer with a guy who named his dog, Nawiliwili Nelson? Drink Deeply - Drink Deeply! Jun 18, Steve Penner rated it it was amazing. Some books can only be evaluated based on the number of LOL's that they elicit. Whatever the scale this book gets the max. Not very circumspect I know. Anyway, the life that Miller leads--a priest on Kauai and part owner of a bar in Texas--can only happen in the Anglican church.

The locales for his adventures range from distilleries in Scotland to jazz clubs in N Some books can only be evaluated based on the number of LOL's that they elicit. The locales for his adventures range from distilleries in Scotland to jazz clubs in New York to the Ballagio in Las Vegas to a predominantly black Episcopal church in Texas he's Anglo to a Hawaiian animal shelter. And the stories are full of humor and spiritual insight.

Almost anything can work as a sermon illustration if you try hard enough, even a Willie Nelson song. The book doesn't seem quite as edgy as "Blue Like Jazz" did when it came out, but it's in the same vein. Jul 29, David rated it liked it Shelves: As I began reading this book I did not like it.


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I expected a book about beer and God and it seemed like the author spent a lot of time talking crassly about women. I suppose he'd say I'm too up tight. But as I kept reading the book grew on me. Many of the stories are funny and thoughtful. These are good reflections on enjoying the gift of life God has given through travel and friends and fun and of course, beer. Yet I only give it three stars because I can't help but think of other memoir-ish a As I began reading this book I did not like it. Yet I only give it three stars because I can't help but think of other memoir-ish and reflection-on-life books I've read that are better.

The biggest difference here is Miller is funnier while those other authors, though including humor, come across more serious. So I'd say read those others first unless you want something lighter and funnier, and don't mind a bit of irreverence from your priests. Then give this one a go. May 10, Joan rated it liked it. I never though I'd see the day when brewing and drinking beer would be a church related event, as is the case with a friend's church.

Miller is an Episcopal priest and co-owner of a bar. He draws some spiritual insights from beer drinking. He tells lots of stories about himself, some showing his impaired judgment because of alcohol. This, I think, must be a man's book as the language frequently used is that of drinking buddies, words I would not use in public. See my full review of this book at I never though I'd see the day when brewing and drinking beer would be a church related event, as is the case with a friend's church.

See my full review of this book at http: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an independent and honest review. May 21, Joshua Coon rated it it was amazing. Poetic, sincere, crazy, sweet, and most of all honest. One of the best books I've read in ages. More reverent than I anticipated, Miller, writes with an honesty about life that I truly appreciate.

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He lives with zest, as he is an Episcopal priest as well as co-owner of a watering hole in Texas. He'll make you laugh, and make you wonder why it is you are doing what you are doing. He writes with depth and humor, and a love for others. Miller both Poetic, sincere, crazy, sweet, and most of all honest. Miller both sees and tastes, and laughs along the way. May 07, Paula Schumm rated it really liked it. Miller is delightful nonfiction.

The author expounds upon wine, women, and song as he regales the reader with anecdotes from his life as an Episcopal priest and bar owner.

The Beer Drinker's Guide to God : William B. Miller :

This book is insightful and entertaining. I recommend this one to all my reader friends. Jul 13, Lyn rated it it was amazing. Thanks Be To God! A funny series of stories each encouraging you to ponder and find God in them.

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Yes Episcopal priests drink beer and own a bar ; yes they like women and because of that God does provide them the gift of storytelling so we can listen and hear. Call your favorite priests, buy them a beer and give them a copy! NetGalley and Howard Books provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Aug 17, Raimo Wirkkala rated it really liked it. The author is certainly a different breed of clergyman and this particular bread is leavened with, of all things, irreverence and much good humour, often self-deprecating. Before the reader knows it the lesson has been taught and received with a smile if not out-loud laughter. Feb 18, Myra rated it really liked it. Laughing one minute and thinking about my faith and the importance of loving according to the scriptures all the next.

Well done William Miller! Dec 10, Sue Whitt rated it it was amazing. A priest in Hawaii who owns a bar in Marfa, Texas and loves dogs and humans. Explains value of religious over spiritual. Oh, just read the book. Lindsey Harvey rated it liked it Sep 07, Davis Graham rated it it was amazing Sep 17, Logan Lovelace rated it it was amazing Feb 07, Cody rated it really liked it Aug 03, Brett Haggerty rated it liked it Feb 02, Bruce Campbell rated it it was amazing Mar 12, Craig Prather rated it liked it May 22, Raymond rated it it was amazing Aug 27, Aimee domingo rated it really liked it Dec 24, Shannon Eldridge rated it it was amazing Jun 21, Carol rated it liked it Sep 24, Peter rated it liked it Oct 02, His book had me laughing out loud in parts and highlighting other sections for later reference.

Buy this book, read it, then toast to spiritual transformation. God and strong drink are two of his favorite things. Father Bill currently resides in Kauai with his dog, Nawiliwili Nelson. Book ratings by Goodreads. Goodreads is the world's largest site for readers with over 50 million reviews.

The Beer Drinker's Guide to God: The Whole and Holy Truth About Lager, Loving, and Living

We're featuring millions of their reader ratings on our book pages to help you find your new favourite book. Christmas posting dates Learn more. You are now going to get up from this table and follow me back to the hotel. No, you may not have another beer. Trust me on this one. Tomorrow morning you will thank me for this. He is my most stylish friend.

The Beer Drinker's Guide to God

When he wears his full-length black leather coat, he comes across as smooth as the silk shirt underneath. When we are out on the town together, people often stop and stare at us as if we are famous. Let me rephrase that. When we are out on the town together, people often stop and stare at him as if he is famous. Adjacent tables are always astounded that so much caffeine can put a man to sleep. I met Jimmy Hunter at a funeral in East Austin.

I had accepted a call to a predominantly African-American parish where the local custom was for all ministers who had any relation to any relation of the deceased to participate. This was not only my first funeral, it was my first public appearance in the neighborhood. With some trepidation, I walked into the David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church to participate in the funeral for someone I did not know, among ministers I did not know, according to a religious tradition with which I was completely unfamiliar.

They were all wearing ties. I was wearing a clerical collar. They were all carrying Bibles. I was carrying my Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. They were all men of color.

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I am more pale than ale. They were all professionals when it comes to extemporaneous speaking. I am an Episcopalian, so I read my prayers verbatim. Their services go on for days. My services are done in one hour. I needed a beer. As soon as I walked in the door, I spotted the reverend.

He was smiling and nodding at me as if he had spotted a long-lost friend. He walked over and greeted me: I almost sat in his lap, I was so comforted by his presence. He was lying, but in a nice way. Our time together is now much livelier. Each of us is always pointing out how God has most recently revealed his overwhelming preference for one at the expense of the other. One evening I was feeling filled with the Holy Spirit as our conversation turned toward a hero to both of us: Martin Luther King Jr. Some people talk the talk. Some people walk the walk.

King to be a great prophet in his time, so God has chosen me as the greatest prophet of our generation, far greater than you anyway. It is readily apparent that this is the sign we have been seeking to determine, once and for all, who is greatest among us.


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When it comes to you and me, my lesser brother, you are Howard Cosell to my Muhammad Ali. Then the twinkle in his eye became a knowing if not superior smile. As enlightening as that revelatory moment was, the Prophet James was not finished opening my eyes to greater realities.

I fondly remember visiting him just after he had accepted a call to a Missionary Baptist Church in Port Arthur, Texas.


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Port Arthur is part of the so-called Golden Triangle of Southeast Texas, with the cities of Beaumont and Orange completing the polygon.