Editorial Review:Product Description:A worship disorder: this is how Edward T. Welch views addictions. 'Will we worship our own desires or will we worship the true God?' With this lens the author discovers far more in Scripture on addictions than passages on drunkenness. There we learn the addict's true condition: like guests at a banquet thrown by 'the woman Folly,' he is already in the grave (Proverbs 9:13-18). Can we not escape our addictions? If we're willing to follow Jesus, the author says that we have 'immense hope: hope in God's forgiving grace, hope in God's love that is faithful even when we are not, and hope that God can give power so that we are no longer mastered by the addiction.' Each chapter concludes with 'Practical Theology,' 'As Your Face Your Own Addictions,' and 'As You Help Someone Else.'
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Average Rating:
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The Grave
I am a Nouthetic Counselor and have used the book and the video, "Addictions, A Banquet In The Grave," in counseling with individuals trapped in the bondage of the sin of drunkenness and have found it very insightful and helpful in breaking such bondage and setting people free from it.
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Excellent Reading for All!
It is hard to believe that over a year later, I am still reading this book. The depth is incredible. I had originally purchased it with the thought of using it as a springboard to assisting people that God brings into my life with addiction problems. I have found that in one way or another, this book also speaks to me. I appreciate the clarity in which it is written and how each possible argument is countered with scriptures. You could blitz through this book and go on about your merry way ... however, I would suggest taking your time and allowing its truths to really sink in. I have recommended this book (and others by Welch) to many. It goes beyond answering the obvious questions on what we all consider "addictions" such as drugs, sex, and alcohol to the very heart of the matter - which is, of course, our own rebellious hearts and natures. I hope that this book blesses others as it has surely blessed me.
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More Addiction Theology Than Actual Help
This book is what happens when you take the position that the bible has all of the answers to all of lifes questions, and then try to fit everything else into that belief. This book is perfect for Christians wanting to read something that they already believe. Welch is clearly intelligent within this specific framework, but for someone who isn't already a Christian, well versed in the jargon and dogma, this book would barely make sense.
Despite attempts at appearing compassionate and empathetic, the book still comes across as typically "holier-than-thou". It is more a book on "Addiction Theology" (that is, what does the bible say about addiction if we interpret with that in mind), but does not offer much real day to day help for a struggling addict.
Although this book calls it "sub-biblical", I think addicts would be better served joining a 12 step group and going from there.
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Misquotes Scripture / Dismisses Psychiatry
Early in his book, Dr. Welch inaccurately quotes Scripture, rendering 2 Peter 1:3 to say that Scripture gives us all the tools/information/etc. that we need in order to live. Of course, 2 Peter 1:3 says this not about Scripture, but about God.
I approached this book as one schooled in and accepting of Reformed theology. Certainly Dr. Welch does not stray far from the Gospel. But he is dismissive of anything but a proof-text approach to reading Scripture that suggests that any problems a person may have are "worship deficiencies."
This may be true, in a strict sense. If we are really attuned to God's will, we certainly won't face addiction problems. But a more realistic subtitle for the book ought to have been "Here but for the grace of God go I."
Dr. Welch makes several astounding claims in order to advance his model of addiction theory. One of these is that there is no real evidence to suggest that physical withdrawal symptoms can literally overpower a person. Another is that gambling and sex do not prompt any internal physiological response. Any responsible neuroscientist would scoff at this -- our brains are full of chemical charges that dramatically affect our ability to think rationally, and our attitude toward God and other men.
Dr. Welch offers little in the way of practical help for the recovering addict; in fact, one of the reasons he is critical of AA is that AA has become palatable to non-believers. Heaven forbid it!
Dr. Welch advances a model-driven approach that fails to understand the enormity of God's revealed wisdom and how we ought to apply it when struggling with addiction issues or helping a loved one in need.
This book is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Read it critically. I understand I am the first negative reviewer, but my fear is that people get swept away by what they perceive to be a "gospel message" that is in fact little but a model for laying more guilt at the feet of an addict.
Finally, Dr. Welch gives short shrift to the work of the Holy Spirit in even the lives of addicts, and pretends that people suffering in the grip of addiction are far removed from grace. He also makes the decidedly un-Scriptural claim that, if we pray for God to remove any temptation/sin/etc. from our lives, then God will grant that request. But Paul's struggle with the thorn in his flesh stands in direct opposition to this claim.
Jesus Christ's love for addicts goes far beyond what Dr. Welch contemplates in this disappointing book.
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great book
I love this book!!! The Spirit hit me right between the eyes. Must reading for everyone.
