From Library Journal
This book, by the editor of the Presbyterian Alcohol Network News , discusses the role of the church in addressing America's number one drug problem: alcohol. She recapitulates what the Bible says about drinking, noting relevant similarities and differences between biblical and contemporary societies. She also discusses spirituality and alcohol, considerations concerning personal use or nonuse of alcohol, and how to meet the need. An appendix contains a study/syllabus and various lists of resources. Churches and other groups concerned about alcohol awareness will find these lists invaluable. Highly recommended for public libraries.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Alcohol And The Church: Developing An Effective Ministry is an important addition to any church library. Margaret Fuad persuasively documents a need for church involvement in one of America's major health problems -- a health problem that has severe implications for family values and the salvation of individual church members. Alcohol And The Church discusses the formation of an "Alcohol Ministers" as a principal mission of the church. It presents an honest and comprehensive study of what the Bible says about the use of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol And The Church provides a study outline/syllabus on alcohol problems and presents over 150 practical ideas for doing alcohol ministry! Alcohol And The Church should grace the collection of every church and parish library in this country! --
Midwest Book ReviewLIBRARY JOURNAL: "This book, by the editor of the Presbyterian 'Alcohol Network News,' discusses the role of the church in addressing America's number one drug problem: alcohol. She recapitulates what the Bible says about drinking, noting relevant similarities and differences between biblical and contemporary societies. She also discusses spirituality and alcohol, considerations concerning personal use or nonuse of alcohol, and how to meet the need. An appendix contains a study/syllabus and various lists of resources. Churches and other groups concerned about alcohol awareness will find these lists invaluable. Highly recommended for public libraries."
BOOKSTORE JOURNAL: "Does the church have a responsibility to help those addicted to alcohol? Does the church have the resources to deal effectively with America's plague of alcoholism? Fuad first answers 'yes' to both questions, then proposes a practical plan of attack, workable for individuals, individual churches, groups of churches, and even denominations. "Fuad's book is probably the best treatment to date of the subject of alcoholism from a solidly biblical perspective. She clearly asserts that the root problem is spiritual and that alcohol abuse must be dealt with from a spiritual perspective if any lasting change is to be accomplished. "She also is clear in contending that the church has been lax in dealing with this national plague. However, she hopes that the current situation can change, and she even sees the beginning signs of such a change. "One of this book's unique features is a thoughtful, scholarly examination of the Hebrew and Greek words for 'wine' and 'strong drink' found in both Testaments. The purpose of this discussion is to determine the biblical view of alcoholic beverages. Fuad concludes that though the Bible apparently condones drinking in moderation, it doesn't answer all the questions surrounding the nature of the alcohol problem in today's society. To fill the gap, Fuad discusses factors that should govern all Christian behavior--love for God, others, and self. "Another not-so-unique, but extremely helpful, discussion centers on the difference bwtween alcohol abuse and alcoholism. But the greatest contribution of this work is its multidue of practical suggestions for churches wanting to help their members--and clergy--deal with this devastating problem. It will also prove valuable to anyone concerned about the drinking habits of a family member or friend." W.B.
THE DISCIPLE: "The author, who has 20 years experience in the area of alcohol abuse problems, has written this excellent study book on a subject which most of our churches have ignored in recent years. It would be effective for individual or group study. "The volume is well researched with an excellent in-depth study of the Bible's teachings about the use of the beverage alcohol. (Any who cannot tolerate having cherished beliefs in this area challenged had best leave the book alone.) "Included is an exhastive bibliography and a useful index. Recommended!" Marge Frank
THE CHALICE: "The new book display at the Minneapolis Public Library recently featured a book called 'Alcohol and the Church' by Margaret Fuad, the first woman to reach high office in the U.S. Presbyterian Church. "Mrs. Fuad makes a strong case for more action by churches in responding to the needs of alcoholics. "Hers is not exactly a new approach but she does provide valuable insights from her position as a church leader and from her own family's problems with alcohol. "She even speculates that Jesus may have treated an alcoholic. In Mark 2:11-12 she suggests that the man suffering from palsy or the "shakes" may have indeed been suffering from the DTs. She notes how persistent the friends were in getting help for the man--lowering him from a hole in the roof when the crowds made it difficult to gain access to Jesus. "'In fact, could we not consider this band of helpers the ancient forerunners of AA members doing twelfth-step work? They knew that only real reocvery for their friend--from alcoholism or whatever his "palsy" meant--had to be spiritually motivated. And when this Jesus spoke with authority about the Kingdom of God, they had found success.' "Mrs. Fuad says the gospel story illustrates the recovery process from alcoholism--'The imprisoned spirit must be liberated as the bodily addiction is healed to ensure a new, sober life.' She wrestles with the problem presented by AA members who spurn organized religion, seeking only rituality.' "'AA appeals through it simple to-the-point fellowship of love and caring. However, given that out of the discovery of the spiritual connection within and beyond ourselves, comes religion, is it valid for the church or AA to exclude each other? Can each not benefit by understanding the other?' "Mrs. Fuad adds: 'Church members can learn about alcoholism and the importance of spirituality in the recovery process, reach out to afflicted persons and welcome them and AA groups into their churches just as AA members can find added joy, strength and growth--as well as friends--by participating in a church.' "She feels the real problem is distinguishing between 'spirituality and "religosity,"' the latter being defined as ostentatious, superficial practice of religion.' "She has a good section on how churches can set up programs to aid the alcoholic--recovering and otherwise. And she has an extensive bibligraphy and index, listing all literature, church organizations and recovery groups--but there is no mention of Calix. As Rodney Dangerfield would say, 'We get no respect.'" Bill Fox -- Publisher Comments
