Jesus Hates Beer

Posted by Chris Berry on August 14, 2008 in Frivolous Lawsuits

A hearing at the local office of the Virginia ABC Board drew standing room only crowds yesterday as a handful of local busybodies led by a publicity hungry Baptist preacher attempted to convince ABC officials to reject the license application for the Shooting Creek Farm Brewery. Opponents of the microbrewery claim that granting the license would create a hazard to the public, and substantially alter their way of life by doubling the traffic on Thomas Farm Road. Doubling in this case means an increase of approximately 10 vehicles per day.

Brewery owners Ray Jones and Brett Nichols have fought an ongoing battle to have their new facility licensed since early Spring, and even if the small number of people who oppose the license ultimately lose their fight, they can keep the application tied up in appeals for another 6 months. A delay of that magnitude, and the legal expenses incurred in the process would be enough to bankrupt almost any new small business before it ever opens to the public.

I had the chance to visit the brewery back in April, and to speak with the owners at length about their fledgling enterprise. This is a wonderful example of two people trying to create a unique business from scratch on a shoestring budget, and their concept ties in beautifully with other local businesses that draw vital tourist dollars to Floyd county. If a tiny handful of God-fearing county residents have their way, their neighborhood will be protected from the evils of alcohol, and a couple of hard working entrepreneurs will be bankrupt in the process. I’m sure Jesus would want it that way.

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5 Comments on Jesus Hates Beer

By David on August 15, 2008 at 7:00 am

Jesus does not hate beer. That would be like saying He hates cars and medicine and rope and anything else that someone might use to do evil. These are people who make up their own religion because the one God made wasn’t good enough for them. These are not “God-fearing county residents”. They are NOT following the teachings of God, that would make them God-hating wouldn’t it?

By Chris Berry on August 15, 2008 at 7:24 am

You’re absolutely right, and next time I will inject more sarcasm to avoid any possible confusion.

By David on August 15, 2008 at 10:08 am

Your sarcasm was right on. Perhaps I wasn’t clear in agreeing. :-)

By Milan on August 29, 2008 at 3:29 pm

In the Gospel of John (specifically, the part about the Marriage at Cana), Jesus himself produces wine for a wedding that would otherwise have lacked it. Clearly, he is not wholly opposed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

By kyle Steed on September 10, 2008 at 12:11 pm

I think the sarcasm was spot on. But the fact remains … it’s sad how religion makes people afraid of living. At one point in time I was under such a stronghold in my life where I thought drinking was not something a Christian could do. But coming to know who Jesus really is has freed me from any laws of man. I only hope that this micro-brewery is able to open their business and open the minds of their fellow neighbors.

Please feel free to share your thoughts. Without your comments, I'm just some guy talking to myself. Let me know if I'm right, wrong, or completely full of sh*t.

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