I've now read my second book for my CCEF classes.
This book is also by Ed Welch, entitled Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave.
I had read it previously, but thoroughly enjoyed and profited from re-reading it.
Addictions can be a daunting subject to tackle, but Welch does it with aplomb. He defines an addiction as, fundamentally, a worship-disorder, and shows how the Bible's category of idolatry most helpfully addresses the phenomena that we commonly call "addictions." He is conversant with the prevailing "disease model" of addictions, made popular by AA, and notes it (and AA's) helpful strengths, but also critiques it (and AA) with biblical wisdom.
Each chapter is addressed to both those who are struggling with an addiction (so put it in their hands!) as well as those who are helping other struggling with an addiction (so put it in their hands!). I think it's amazing how Welch can vividly describe what it's like to be in the throes of a disastrous love affair with something unhealthy.
But each chapter is also for those who don't think of themselves as "addicts." Reading it again, I was confronted with my "extra plate" addiction, and my "information-junkie" status. These, too, are worship disorders that need to be addressed with gospel sanctification.
As with Depression: A Stubborn Darkness, this book can also be read for profit by those who are not heavily into drugs, pornography, alcohol, or whatever. It is, at its core, a book on progressive sanctification in the fear of the Lord. But its potent stuff, applying the Bible's life-changing truth to some of the most change-resistant problems.
I highly recommend it. This little review hasn't done it justice.
CCEF has produced a DVD curriculum based upon the book and Dr. Welch's teaching.
Living Faith, the CCEF Annual Conference is going to tackle this subject this year: The Addict in Us All.
This book is also by Ed Welch, entitled Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave.
I had read it previously, but thoroughly enjoyed and profited from re-reading it.
Addictions can be a daunting subject to tackle, but Welch does it with aplomb. He defines an addiction as, fundamentally, a worship-disorder, and shows how the Bible's category of idolatry most helpfully addresses the phenomena that we commonly call "addictions." He is conversant with the prevailing "disease model" of addictions, made popular by AA, and notes it (and AA's) helpful strengths, but also critiques it (and AA) with biblical wisdom.
Each chapter is addressed to both those who are struggling with an addiction (so put it in their hands!) as well as those who are helping other struggling with an addiction (so put it in their hands!). I think it's amazing how Welch can vividly describe what it's like to be in the throes of a disastrous love affair with something unhealthy.
But each chapter is also for those who don't think of themselves as "addicts." Reading it again, I was confronted with my "extra plate" addiction, and my "information-junkie" status. These, too, are worship disorders that need to be addressed with gospel sanctification.
As with Depression: A Stubborn Darkness, this book can also be read for profit by those who are not heavily into drugs, pornography, alcohol, or whatever. It is, at its core, a book on progressive sanctification in the fear of the Lord. But its potent stuff, applying the Bible's life-changing truth to some of the most change-resistant problems.
I highly recommend it. This little review hasn't done it justice.
CCEF has produced a DVD curriculum based upon the book and Dr. Welch's teaching.
Living Faith, the CCEF Annual Conference is going to tackle this subject this year: The Addict in Us All.
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