Note: I signed up to review some books for Thomas Nelson. Here’s the first review.
Stephen Mansfield’s “The Search for God and Guinness” tells the tale of the Guinness family’s incredible devotion to their faith, their craft and their country through the generations. It’s a legacy that’s likely well-known in Ireland, but in the United States it’s virtually unknown – Guinness symbolizes ridiculous world records and quality beer, and little more.
Mansfield begins the book with a history of beer throughout the ages – he touches on how the first brew was probably made accidentally before moving on to discuss how ancient civilizations intimately associated the craft of brewing with their own spirituality.
Some may be concerned at the dichotomous nature of writing a book about Beer and God, particularly when a prevalent (or at least stereotypical) view in the United States is that beer and church don’t mix. Mansfield does a good job of reverently breaking down this stereotype and discussing the particular merits of beer – especially its craft. It’s clear that Mansfield has a deep respect for any who labor at their craft, and suggests that this labor may in and of itself be an act of worship.
All in all, the tale of the Guinness family is inspiring and remarkable. If nothing else, learning about the way the Guinnesses put their faith, their craft and their family (including employees) above all else is eye-opening. Many modern corporations would do well to look to Guinness as an archetype of socially-responsible business.
