Many people, including college students, do not know how to consume — so let’s fix that, rooted in community.
Plenty of good stories have started by vibing with the old guy playing a fiddle at an Irish bar, sitting around a bonfire sipping on a cold beer or conversing with friends over a gin and tonic.
But plenty of tragic stories have also arisen from the abuse of alcohol.
As a college student, I am no stranger to both sides of this spectrum. Some of my fondest recent memories have been at a pub or having a great conversation over an old-fashioned cocktail, as two months ago, I turned 21.
Yet it seems like every Monday stories swirl of college parties gone wrong or rumors of abusive situations brought about by intoxication.
In the months prior to my birthday, I found myself contemplating the drinking culture and I realized that a dichotomy exists.
Neither approach seemed that healthy or enjoyable.
Growing up Catholic, I knew that alcohol had a rich tradition in our faith, and there was a way to consume responsibly, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church dictates — not as this dangerous, evil thing to not even talk about, especially before you are 21.
If done well, I had seen, alcohol can help cultivate community.
So I wanted to learn how to drink well.
I began reading two books: Michael Foley’s Drinking with the Saints (which also includes some fantastic cocktail recipes) and Jared Staudt’s, The Beer Option (what a perfect name for a guy writing about beer.)
As I read these books, I reflected on my own experiences growing up and in college.
Alcohol, if used properly, can not only enhance, but help build community, a necessary component for the Christian life.
Sharing a drink brings people together, as it allows one to relax and enjoy company. Done in moderation, community can flourish, friendships form and memories made.
Done poorly though, drinking can destroy a community.
Over the past two months, I have embraced my newfound legal age and have made many great memories.
Through this, I have learned that there is a way to drink well.
So here are (based off of Foley, Staudt and conversations with friends) five rules for college students and anyone else who enjoys a good libation.
1. Find a good Irish pub.
True Irish pubs haven’t failed me yet.
Irish pubs have the right balance of good music, good vibes and an atmosphere where you can still hear your neighbor — now that is a good bar.
2. Fast from alcohol a few days a week.
In a video series called The Pint and the Cross, Michael Foley encourages individuals to abstain from alcohol one to two days a week.
This, he argues, builds a habit of moderation and discipline. It’s great advice, and I have found that it helps me to moderate my habits and make having a drink a special occasion. Timely for Lent, too.
3. Good drinking buddies > buddies who are fun to drink with.
When I say good drinking buddies, I mean find friends who you can have good conversations with, can enjoy a good drink, and hold you accountable, too.
4. Don’t push it.
Alcohol can be dangerous. That should not be a surprise.
The moment you consume one too many drinks, you become a detriment to community and you become a liability, as you have lost self-control, and your tongue has become a little too loose and you can’t have good conversation. Those circumstances do not aid in cultivating a Christian community.
5. Have good conversation — about prayer, Jesus, etc.
Alcohol provides an opportunity to set aside other distractions (cough, cough — the phone) and share fellowship with family and friends.
Use the time to talk about your faith, your struggles and the joys in your life. Do not waste this precious time bantering about the latest game or video games. Talk about Jesus — he enjoyed wine, so you can, too.
Cheer’s, mate.