Time, Silence, and Yeast
A Song of Appreciation for Trappist Communities and Their Beer
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
It is no accident that some of the best beer in the world is brewed by people who see their true vocation as directly tied to living in community, assisting the poor, and worshiping God. It is my contention that the perfection of beer made by Trappist monks is not an anomaly nor merely the product of consistency in process over generations but rather sparked by the unique spirituality found within the walls of the cloister. The conglomeration of deeply seeded theological values—an emphasis on the gospel ethic of caritas, technical excellence from viewing labor as constitutive of the human person, and a devotion to the care for creation—have led to a beverage that is, quite simply, divine. However, I find that these vibrant communities are often misunderstood. While most religiously oriented pilgrims might enjoy the beer, they have little appreciation for the technical aspects of the monastic vocation that lead to its production. Conversely, those areligious persons who congregate outside of the abbey gates in anticipation of the impeccable liquid seldom care to understand how or why the beer in their glass is different from that of any other. My hope is to bridge the gaps present between the theological realm, the everydayness of enjoying beer, and religious vocation in a way that underscores their compatibility.
Endorsements (4)
“Marty Tomszak brings a unique perspective to his research, combining a passion for monastic spirituality with the connoisseurship of a true devotee of Trappist beers, presented as an enthusiastic journal of a pilgrimage. Silence, separation from the world, and care for creation are contemplated beside the time and space a brewery provides for fermentation, revealing the transformative power of both, encouraging encounter, conversation, and appreciation of the truly beautiful.”
“With this contemplative offering, Marty Tomszak deftly explains how, why, and where the rhythm of monastic life and the rhythm of brewing beer intersect. And when he talks to monks about ‘listening with your heart’ the need to read this book with your own heart becomes obvious.”
“An insightful portrait of Trappist brewing, where quality, humility, and stewardship come together and can be tasted in the glass. A welcome companion for readers seeking more than tasting notes—seeking the Benedictine spirit behind them.”
“A novel and important work, Dr. Marty Tomszak is in a unique position to bridge the gap between the secular and religious worlds where these beers, breweries, and monks reside. More than a simple history or compilation of tasting notes, Time, Silence, and the Yeast gives us insight into who the monks are, the life they have chosen, and how their beers are both a product and reflection of these tenets and communities.”
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