Monday, January 21, 2008

Addictions, a banquet in the grave


Another great book by Edward Welch. He is member of CCEF, the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation.

I am currently reading this book with the hopes of sharing some of it's helpful & insightful truths at a local jail. Other books and programs have been considered, however, this one came highly recommended as one which is very Christ-centered. As with other helpful books from CCEF such as How People Change, Instruments in the Redeemers Hands, and more, this book reaches deeply into the powerful truths of the gospel to apply them to many of life's struggles and issues.
"When you look at it closely, drunkenness is a lordship problem. Who is your master, God or your desires? Do you desire God above all else, or do you desire something in creation more than you desire the Creator? At root, drunkards are worshipping another god - alcohol. Drunkenness violates the command "You shall have no other gods before me."
"This alcohol worship is actually a form of self-worship."
(Addictions Pg. 23)

This book, as well as the others from CCEF, wields the powerful Scriptures effectively against the enemies of addictions, self-worship, and God-lessness. I know that, according to Scripture, God's word never goes forth in vain but always accomplishes that which He intended it to. Because of this Scriptural principle I believe time will prove these books from CCEF to be tremendously effective weapons in the war against sin.

16 comments:

cgl said...

I would like to read this book.

cgl said...

I am wondering about the context surrounding that quote concerning alcohol problems. Does he balance the attack on alcohol problems with the fact that all sin issues are the exact same thing? I suppose alcohol often has more severe consequences than other sins but I always dislike the alcoholic bashing in this respect

Unbreakable Joy said...

cgl,

Yes he was just highlighting how this resolution functions in relation to alcoholism. You're right this is the same issue with all of sin. That quote was just directed response towards that one particular issue.

mwh said...

We pray the LORD uses this material through you at your ministry at the jail.

Amanda said...

It does look like a good book.

I interned one summer during college at the Alcohol and Drug center at the local health department. (I have my degree in Psych.)

Unbreakable Joy said...

Amanda,

What are your thoughts about addictions being "worship disorders?"

Considering your experience and education I would be curious to hear your thoughts on this matter.

Amanda said...

Well, where should I begin? :)

Maybe some background: The Cecil County Drug and Alcohol Center uses the Medical Model of Addictions. I sat in mostly on adolescent groups and individual counseling sessions, although occasionally I sat in on some adult group sessions.

My opinion: I don't like the Medical Model at all. (I wish I could remember the name of the book I read on it.) It frustrates me that many bad behaviors have been give an addictions label (like shopping addiction, etc.). It seems to me the Medical Model is essentially, "Well, don't blame yourself, you have a medical condition," and I think that in most cases that is baloney. In all honesty, it did not seem to be helping the people coming for support. Why would you change something you can't ("It's not my fault, I have a condition)? The people need to realize their need for change (i.e. for a Savior) before they can change.

To me, it seems like the quote you included in your post was spot on.

I hope I'm not being judgmental here. I think without Christ those struggling with addictions have no hope.

I hope that answered your question. :)

Unbreakable Joy said...

I couldn't agree more. What I really find useful/deliverable is the fact that this model (worship disorder) addresses all sin. So I can relate to the addict or alcoholic by pointing out my worship disorders and tell them I've got no stones to throw because we're all in the same boat... then I can tell them that although the boat is sinking there is tremendous hope, life, and infinite joy in our King-Savior Jesus.
Oh yeah, I really like the related point of fighting a temptation for a temporal and sinful pleasure with the superior and eternal pleasure - God!

Amanda said...

So I can relate to the addict or alcoholic by pointing out my worship disorders and tell them I've got no stones to throw because we're all in the same boat... then I can tell them that although the boat is sinking there is tremendous hope, life, and infinite joy in our King-Savior Jesus.

That's a great point. :)

Tim said...

I don't know if I would go as far to say "no hope", but I would say, there is very little hope in overcoming addictions without Christ. The fact that there is common grace and that some addicts have successfully recovered would be logic in that persons mind that no hope might be a little of an overstatement. There hope of finding true deep satisfaction aside from Christ is a different story. I also agree that it is primarily a worship disorder. Though I believe most lost don't understand the christian concepts of worship as much as they would, having meaning and purpose in life. I guess that's where discipleship comes in. I think it is very hard for them to understand God-centered concepts when they think and breath in very man-centered ways. Shoot it's hard for me to think in a God-centered way.

Amanda said...

I don't know if I would go as far to say "no hope", but I would say, there is very little hope in overcoming addictions without Christ.

True. I may have been being a bit extreme. :)

Unbreakable Joy said...

I don't think your statement was too extreme. It seems to me that it's not just the addicts that have no hope apart from Jesus, but rather it is everyone - all of us have no hope without him.

Amanda said...

It seems to me that it's not just the addicts that have no hope apart from Jesus, but rather it is everyone - all of us have no hope without him.

That's what I was trying to say. And as an addict, you must realize you have a problem (sin) before you can get on the road to recovery.

Maybe I can borrow this book from you sometime? After cgl, if he wants it first, of course. :)

Tim said...

I agree with the principles in the book and the thought you guys are making. However the point I was getting at is that it can be dangerous to make overstatements in our evangelism or of giving counsel to people. If can sometimes cause us to lose credibility, as it may appear like we are twisting or bending the truth.

Unbreakable Joy said...

I hope to be done with this book by this Monday. You are welcome to borrow it.

Amanda said...

That'd be great. I'll add it to my rapidly growing pile. :) (Don't worry, I won't have it forever, I read fast.)