To Suckle The Tit of The Whore

last night I had a celebratory beer sampling, in honor of a dear friend who has recently converted to Catholicism. My friend was raised as I, in the world of Apostolic Pentecostalism. So, it was a bit shocking when his journey with God led him to this place. At first shocking, then a bit strange, and later perfectly comfortable. My Protestant world view, and Fundamentalist baggage made it a challenge to accept certain aspects of his march towards Rome. Yet in the end, his journey has helped open my eyes, to my own myopia. I have long considered myself an open minded, spiritually liberal Christian. Yet, when my pal decided that he would throw off the remaining shackles of our shared Protestant upbringing, I was worried.

Antony (as I will call him here), has been the rarest of things to me, a friend. Not a "friend" in the sense of someone you hang out with, or meet at the pub for a couple of pints. Antony is a friend in the truest sense of the word. He is the one who has most often told me the things I did not want to hear, things a fair weather sort will leave unsaid. Antony has been my confessor, if Protestants are allowed to use such words. My friend is journeying into an area of spirituality I long for, but am not willing to pay the price to receive.It is at once inspiring and shameful for me.

All that said, I felt like Antony needed some moral support this week. It was not to be a particularly happy week for him, for various reasons, I'll not go into. So, I prayed for him, as all folks, considering themselves Christian would, and of course, drank beer in his honor, because,,,well, I like beer.

First up was St Peter's Cream Stout, 1 pint bottle;
I chose beer (from England) for obvious reasons. The Catholics are absolutely ape-shit over Peter! You know, that whole fist pope, main Apostle thing, made it a natural choice. This beer was quite good. A fairly sweet "milk" stout with a strong note of bitter sweet chocolate on the Finnish.

Second I had Wexford Irish Cream Ale, 1 pint draught can;
This beer was actually from England as well, I was totally bummed about that. I was sure that I had discovered a brew from the homeland, that had simply been under my radar, truth in advertising, ya limey bastards! At any rate the idea was to consider the often nameless, faceless monks, who kept the light of written Christian history safe, as well as civilization's records in general, from the fall of Rome to the Renaissance. I should have had a Smithwick's. Wexford's although drinkable, is a pale pretender to a beer like Boddington's. Still, getting through my second pint gave me a somewhat relaxed, happy feeling.

Third, I had a Wychwood Hobgoblin Dark English Ale, 12 oz bottle:
I was unable to escape the English all night. O well, to Hell it. This was a good beer. I sat back and enjoyed the humor of the name. I drank this brew because I'm sure that most Fundamentalists would demonize Antony for leaving "the truth", to suckle the tit of the so-called, "great whore". I thought it was a glorious tribute to my friend, but then I'm warped in that way. I find humor in things other don't always find appropriate.

When I finished my Tribute to Antony's conversion, I felt pretty damn good. Good enough to grab a rosary, and say a hail Marry? no: I am who I am; a mischievous, often misbehaved Protestant. So, I sat back in my chair, and coursed at those who would insult, or in anywise be cruel to my pal. Here's to you Antony. You're a fine friend,and a far better example of Christ, than those who would damn you.

-S