Review: “God and Guinness”

“THE SEARCH FOR GOD AND GUINNESS: A Biography of the Beer that Changed the World” by Stephen Mansfield.

I review books for Thomas Nelson Publishers and so I’m always excited when a new book is published for review…
However, I’ve never been more excited than when I heard that Stephen Mansfield was writing a history of beer-brewing in general, and (Arthur) Guinness in particular.

I have been brewing beer for nearly 10 years, so I’d already researched the material offered in his short history of brewing. However, I found myself drinking-in every word because Mansfield managed to make the history of brewing sound so exciting, pivotal, triumphant!

I particularly enjoyed his treatment of the Guinness brewing company. I was unaware of the company’s noble roots and its subsequent endeavours for social justice, fair treatment of workers, etc. After reading this book I have enormous respect for the Guinness family and the Guinness brand.

Unfortunately, (very unfortunately!) beer has received a bad name in Christian circles over the years. It has gone from being a drink that was cherished by the most godly men, to a mere vehicle on the journey to drunkeness. This book goes a long way to restoring beer’s one-time glowing reputation.

As a Christian, a pastor and a beer lover – I can wholeheartedly recommend the book.