Coffee had a significant impact on the world because it contributed to the shaping of the Christian and Muslim religion.
How did Coffee Shape the Muslim Religion?
Coffee was very popular throughout the Islamic world. Since the Muslim religion prohibits the consumption of alcohol, it only seemed natural that instead of taverns, coffeehouses became very popular gathering places ("A Brief History of Coffee"). As a result, many Muslims would go to coffeehouses where they could recite prayers with one another. This contributed to the shaping of Muslims because many religious events took place in the presence of coffee. The drink became so beloved in the Islamic world that Muslims often praised its stimulating effects for keeping one alert during long prayer recitations ("A Brief History of Coffee"). This helped build the Muslim religion since coffee took part in one's daily prayers.
Coffee in the Muslim World
Sultan Murad III
However, it also brought up great controversy. Some objected that coffee, like alcohol, was an intoxicant, so it should be banned as well. Although Sufis used it specifically as an aid in their daily devotions, many people also feared the drink due to the gatherings in which coffee was consumed (Intile). Efforts were launched, and persisted for at least a hundred years, to declare coffee an intoxicant forbidden by Islamic law. Sultan Murad III heard coffee drinkers blaming the government, and him in particular, for a number of problems. Incensed, he banned coffee and forced cafes to close, under the pretext of enforcing the muslim ban on intoxicants ("Why Was Coffee Band").
Coffee's affect on the Christian Religion
Pope Clement VIII
In Europe, opponents against Muslims were overly cautious, calling the beverage the 'bitter invention of Satan" ("History of Coffee"). With the coming of coffee to Venice in 1615, the local Christians condemned it. The controversy was so great that Pope Clement VIII was asked to intervene (""History and Origins of Coffee"). Before making a decision however, he decided to taste the beverage for himself. He found the drink so satisfying that he gave it Papal approval. The fact coffee had come from the Ottoman Empire presented another problem, represented by the fact it was branded "Satan's drink" - it was considered unholy and many Christians felt it was improper to drink it, even though there was no specific religious law proscribing it ("History and Origins of Coffee"). However, because the Pope gave it his approval it signified that Muslims and Christians share a common interest despite their different religious beliefs. This brought the two religions together, shaping new ideas and opinions of Christian views on the Muslim religion.
Coffee in the Christian World
Some priests wanted it banned, but Pope Clement VIII decided to sample this "Devil's brew" in 1600, and was pleasantly surprised, famously declaring "This drink of Satan is so delicious that it would be a shame to leave it to the Infidels ("Anti-Coffee Legislation of History"). The Pope's blessing on the drink lead to the spread of coffee’s popularity throughout Europe. As a result, coffee was now considered a "true Christian drink".