The title summarises the author’s
perspective: A party while in the throes of death …
that’s what addictions are like. The banquet is a reference
to Proverbs 9: 13-18, which speak of a prostitute called
“Folly”. She beckons to the undisciplined
…..and promises them the sweetness of stolen waters
…..and the ultimate death that accompanies it.
Edward Welch approaches addictions as a problem that proceeds from the
heart. They involve issues of worship and idolatry. He
argues that addictions are ultimately a disorder of worship. It
is a lordship problem. (Who is your master, God or your
desires?) It is from this understanding about what we worship,
that he feels that people will grow and change
As a counsellor working for Drug ARM and being very involved in various
addictions, I was asked to do a review …so here it is!
Welch begins by saying that we live in a culture that encourages
self-indulgence; and that this has contributed to addictions being
everywhere. Some addictive substances and desires listed in the
book are: alcohol, anger, love, weightlifting, sleep, nicotine, pain,
TV, exercise, gambling, drugs, work, sports, sugar &
chocolate, people, sex, caffeine, shoplifting, lying, stealing,
risk, success/winning, pornography. (Question for you: How many
of these addictions do you have?).
Addictions deliver a rather quick bodily experience and make people
feel more alert, more calm, less shy, or more powerful. Welch
defines addictions as
“…. bondage to the rule of a substance, activity or state
of mind, which then becomes the centre of life, defending itself from
the truth, so that even bad consequences don’t bring repentance,
and leading to further estrangement from God.”
He argues that it is the human heart which drives addiction. We
read this in Romans 7, “I have the desire to do good, but I
cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to
do”
Welch considers that the doctrine of sin is foundational in forming a
theological framework for understanding addictions. There are
many Scriptural references, for example, to drunkenness being a sin;
not a disease as many would suggest. It (and other addictions) is
essentially idolatry; something we worship ….and idols
ultimately end up having control over us. Like a cruel
taskmaster, sin victimizes and controls us (John 8, Gal 6)
The author is not insensitive to the many influences which make each
person’s addiction unique. He cites causes relating to
nature and nurture such as ways we were sinned against by others, our
economic backgrounds, parental examples, sibling examples, terrible
experiences and genetic tendencies.
He acknowledges that the doctrine of sin has been used to bludgeon
addicts. He counters this doctrine by cautioning those who may
think too highly of themselves; who deceive themselves into thinking
that they have a bit more moral fibre than their neighbour. He
considers that the over-arching precept of the Christian religion
should be humility. Humility protects us from being harsh and
judgmental. So does the admission that none of us have climbed
out of the mire of sin with our own moral bootstraps.
Welch is very real when he states that addicts generally do not
self-consciously make idolatrous decisions. Those who wish to
help addicts need to realize that pleas, tears, arguments or threats
will not penetrate; reason is useless. They cannot simply say,
“Stop doing (the addiction); get control of yourself; stop
worshipping an idol”. Addicts can be oblivious to the
slavery and destruction associated with their abuse. It is
ultimately only through the powerful message of Christ crucified and
risen, that the soul can be liberated.
The author then traces the descent leading into addiction. Among
other things, it’s interesting that he considers cigarettes and
alcohol as the “gateway drugs” to further illegal drug
use. He explores the guilt that addicts feel, and how they
further assuage that guilt. He traces the dilemma of those who
love addicts and the pain they experience in their relationship with
them. He gives practical pointers on detection; on confrontation
by those who genuinely care for the addict; on churches and discipline;
on detoxification and on the long battle of rehabilitation
For the Christian’s life is an ongoing battle; a daily process of
mortifying the flesh. And so, the effective (and real) Church,
will have addicts in it, according to Welch. It is, in part, a
hospital for sinners in different stages of their struggle with
sin. It treats others, as Christ has treated us.
Welch has a few hard words to say to the Church. He states that
it has had difficulty in welcoming, assimilating, and speaking
meaningfully to people struggling with addictions. We are prone
to judge those whose sins we think are worse than our own. We
don’t easily relate to people who come from a different culture
(even a drug culture). In short, he states:
‘Our churches sometimes come across as havens for saints who have
assimilated a certain church culture. Addicts or former addicts
will instinctively avoid such places”.
The author suggests that we are most effective when we offer Biblical
help as one addict to another, talking about the magnificence of the
kingdom of God, and warning about the perils of idolatry. (Good
preparation for welcoming an addict is to summarise your own ruling
desires)
He gives a word to parents of teenagers who have addictions:
‘Drug abuse in teens is a good cue to say, “Lord, search
us”. Parents do not bear the blame for their
children’s sins, but they may have contributed to them”.
He gives practical tips such as confronting the child, setting limits,
not over-reacting, and also ensuring they (parents) receive
encouragement and guidance along the way. He further counsels:
“Emphasize responsibility to the exclusion of victimization and
you are leading the person to a harsh, stoic God who is not really the
Holy one revealed in Scripture. Emphasize victimization to the
exclusion of purposeful idolatry and the person never has the
opportunity to deal with the deepest of all his problems.”
The book is full of Scripture verses, and continually points to Christ
as the final (but not simple) and deepest answer to the addictions we
all suffer from. I’d like to take one more quote from the
book:
“The conditions of our surrender cost us nothing. We
don’t have to pay for the damage we have done against God.
We don’t have to go to prison. We don’t have to ask
for forgiveness for the rest of our lives. All we must do is
trust that, whatever the cost, the true God has already paid it”
So what do I think of the book? I think it is a necessary
antidote to a largely God-less world. Welch is well balanced in
his discussion of the “party” being thrown in the midst of
“dying”. For addictions; any addictions, the end
result is death ….spiritually, emotionally and often
physically. Addictions need to be addressed clearly and honestly;
with compassion and humility; with strength and integrity
Edward Welch is “straight –talking” and doesn’t
skirt the issues. He is courageous in exploring a complex topic
… and he has a word to all of us … for without
exception, we are all addicts with a secret idol or two …. some
where in our lives.
In my work with drug, alcohol, eating, pornography, anger, love, sex,
work and success/winning addictions, I witness much healing and
recovery. The road is long; the journey is hard ….and yes
…lots of non-Christians experience recovery and healing.
But the ultimate healing is that of the soul; knowing that as children
of God, we may bask in His grace …. and rest in His arms
……. and know it’s ok.
The battle has already been won …and although we may feel
controlled for a while, sin no longer can have dominion over
us. It is for freedom, that Christ has set us free.
You know, we were never meant to be slaves
Thank you, God.
Review by R. Bergsma
