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The Beer Drinker's Guide to God

The Whole and Holy Truth About Lager, Loving, and Living

About The Book

It’s no accident that Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine! Written by an Episcopalian priest-slash-bar owner, this thoughtful, well-written book of spiritual essays distills lessons about the character of God from stories about adult beverages.

“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.” —Psalm 34:8

Being upright does not mean you have to be uptight—at least according to Father Bill Miller, an Episcopal priest/bar owner. As a fan of both spirits and the Holy Spirit, he is very familiar with the intoxicating lure of some of God’s finer creations, and in The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God he brews up insightful, beautifully written reflections about the strange intersections of God, and, well…beer.

In this humorous collection of essays, he weaves together stories from his life in ministry, his travels in search of the world’s best Scotch, his conversations with Trappist monks, and colorful evenings in his bar, Padre’s. He also reflects on the lessons he’s learned from baseball, Playboy bunnies, Las Vegas, and his attempts to become chaplain to the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, all while (somehow) crafting essays about the spiritual importance of generosity, sacrifice, openness, and spiritual transformation. Really.

Essays include:

-WWJD: What Would Jesus Drink?
-Brewed Over Me and Distill Me, O Lord
-Pearls of Great Price
-Chicken Soup for the Hooters Girl’s Soul
-Miss Hawaii and Other Miss Takes
-Don’t Leave me Hanging: The Theological Significance of Athletic Supporters

From the deeply touching to the laugh-out-loud funny, these stories ultimately open our minds to the glory of God and our mouths to some of God’s more delicious creations. The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God is a smart, hilarious book for those thirsty for God’s truth.

About The Author

Photograph © Sea Light Studios, Inc.

Father William (Bill) Miller is an Episcopal priest and the rector at St. Michael and All Angel’s Episcopal Church in Kauai, Hawaii. He is also a co-owner of Padre’s Bar, a live music venue/watering hole in Marfa, Texas. God and strong drink are two of his favorite things. Father Bill currently resides in Kauai with his dog, Nawiliwili Nelson.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Howard Books (May 6, 2014)
  • Length: 352 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781476738680

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Raves and Reviews

"Bill Miller gives religion a good name. 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."

– Vince Poscente, New York Times bestselling author, The Age of Speed

"The well-schooled theologian or the purveyor of spirits will both savor The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God ."

– The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Author of Unabashedly Episcopalian

“In The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God, Father Bill Miller writes with eloquence and great humor—two qualities missing in much of Christian writing today—to remind us that Christianity is a religion of joy, celebration, and love. Father Miller’s sermons are crafted like parables, and so is this wonderful, joyous, profound, inspiring, wise, and deeply funny book, which strikes the perfect note and doesn’t miss a beat.”

– William Broyles, screenwriter on the films Cast Away, Apollo 13, and Polar Express

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