Addictions and struggles with the passions are rampant in our culture, and often in our families. Fr. Meletios Webber, a popular Orthodox priest with a doctorate in counseling, helps us to explore and understand an answer to overcoming addiction, through the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, as he clearly and skillfully explains the Twelve Steps. Fr. Mel takes a unique approach, and capably correlates the 12 Steps with basic Orthodox theology. The 12 Steps can be a valuable resource for our own spiritual journey, as Fr. Mel identifies implications for Orthodox, and all Christians, using examples from the life of the Orthodox Church. A unique and valuable book for everyone.
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About the Author
Fr. Meletios Webber is an Orthodox priest, and (since this book was written) is now abbot of Saint John Monastery in Manton, California. He graduated with a degree in theology from the University of Oxford. Fr. Mel also has a doctorate in counseling and many years of experience as a therapist, particularly in the areas of spirituality and addiction.
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent introduction to 12 Steps and their spiritual applications
September 28, 2005
Format:Paperback
In the following quote from the Introduction to "Steps of Transformation: An Orthodox Priest Explores the Twelve Steps," author Fr. Meletios Webber does an excellent job of summarizing his own work:
"This book has two main purposes: The first is to explore the Twelve Steps of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, to explain them to those who may be unfamiliar with them, and to show why the Steps are important in helping people recover from alcoholism (and from other addictive conditions).
"The second purpose of this book is to present the Twelve Steps in such a way that members of the Orthodox Church might find them a valuable resource for their own personal spiritual development, should they choose to use them. Furthermore, even though most of the issues discussed will be illustrated using examples from the life of the Orthodox Church, it is hoped that members of other Christian traditions may also find this material helpful as they continue on their spiritual journey."
This book succeeds in achieving both purposes admirably.
When I began reading this volume, over a year ago, I had a nodding acquaintance with Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve Step programs. Over the course of the past year, thanks largely to the reading of this book, I have become more personally acquainted with Twelve Step programs, and have learned about their effectiveness in changing the lives of countless individuals.
Not only that, but as I've talked with participants in various Twelve Step programs, I've encountered individuals whose spiritual journey resembles the disciplines I've been trying to incorporate in my own life for many years.
It's amazing to discover how this remarkable program is based on the tried and true disciplines of ancient Christian spirituality, such as acknowledging one's powerlessness over addictive behaviors (sin); that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us (dependence on God); make a decision to turn our will and lives over to God; made a searching and fearless moral inventory; admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs (confession); were ready to remove defects of character (repentance), etc.
This is a remarkable book (dare I say "life-changing?"). It is easy to read, it explains AA and Twelve Steps as well as anything else I've read on the subject to date. It's a great introduction for the curious, especially for those who identify themselves as Christians. There's no need to be Orthodox to derive benefits from this excellent volume, and for those who may be interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, it will give some very practical insight into the spirituality of the Orthodox Christian faith.
Highly recommended. Then the reader may be interested in reading "Alcoholics Anonymous" (commonly called "The Big Book") next.
"This book has two main purposes: The first is to explore the Twelve Steps of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, to explain them to those who may be unfamiliar with them, and to show why the Steps are important in helping people recover from alcoholism (and from other addictive conditions).
"The second purpose of this book is to present the Twelve Steps in such a way that members of the Orthodox Church might find them a valuable resource for their own personal spiritual development, should they choose to use them. Furthermore, even though most of the issues discussed will be illustrated using examples from the life of the Orthodox Church, it is hoped that members of other Christian traditions may also find this material helpful as they continue on their spiritual journey."
This book succeeds in achieving both purposes admirably.
When I began reading this volume, over a year ago, I had a nodding acquaintance with Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve Step programs. Over the course of the past year, thanks largely to the reading of this book, I have become more personally acquainted with Twelve Step programs, and have learned about their effectiveness in changing the lives of countless individuals.
Not only that, but as I've talked with participants in various Twelve Step programs, I've encountered individuals whose spiritual journey resembles the disciplines I've been trying to incorporate in my own life for many years.
It's amazing to discover how this remarkable program is based on the tried and true disciplines of ancient Christian spirituality, such as acknowledging one's powerlessness over addictive behaviors (sin); that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us (dependence on God); make a decision to turn our will and lives over to God; made a searching and fearless moral inventory; admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs (confession); were ready to remove defects of character (repentance), etc.
This is a remarkable book (dare I say "life-changing?"). It is easy to read, it explains AA and Twelve Steps as well as anything else I've read on the subject to date. It's a great introduction for the curious, especially for those who identify themselves as Christians. There's no need to be Orthodox to derive benefits from this excellent volume, and for those who may be interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, it will give some very practical insight into the spirituality of the Orthodox Christian faith.
Highly recommended. Then the reader may be interested in reading "Alcoholics Anonymous" (commonly called "The Big Book") next.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I can't express my gratitude to Father Meletios Webber for writing this exceptional book. For many years I suffered from compulsive behaviors. It wasn't until I read "Steps of Transformation" that I realized that there were many people just like me who had found recovery through the Twelve Steps Program.
This spiritual gem will restore one's sanity by following a simple, yet highly effective, program toward recovery. If you aren't suffering from a compulsive disorder, this book will guide you through the Steps of Transformation in which you'll discover yourself closer to the God of your understanding, closer than you could ever imagine.
This spiritual gem will restore one's sanity by following a simple, yet highly effective, program toward recovery. If you aren't suffering from a compulsive disorder, this book will guide you through the Steps of Transformation in which you'll discover yourself closer to the God of your understanding, closer than you could ever imagine.
I have attended churches since my childhood, and have always considered myself a very religious person. But, that is where the difference lies: spiritual vs. religious. I am discovering the spiritual apsect to my religion. It has always been there, of course. But, I have been too wrapped up with theology and the like. Father Meletios' book helped me to discover the spiritual aspect of my religion. What a gift! Thank you Father Mel!
I recommend this book highly to any Christians that would like to deepen their understanding of their religion; and/or may be seeking help from any kind of compulsive behavior (i.e. alcoholism, compulsive overeating, compulsive gambling, etc.).
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Brandy Laing
Format:Paperback
I found this book in our church bookstore last Sunday. I am an Orthodox Christian, and an alcoholic. It has been difficult, to say the least, to find ANY literature about alcoholism written from an Orthodox perspective.
thing is, you don't have to be Orthodox to appreciate this book. Father Meletios rites in such a way that anyone can understand and appreciate his work. His insistence, too, that an alcoholic NEEDS Alcoholics Anonymous is heartening to one who has heard far too many times "Well, all you need is to go to church. You just don't believe enough." Etc, etc, ad infinitum. In fact, at the bottom of page 13 & top of page 14 in Steps of Transformation, he emphatically states "If anyone reading this book thinks he may be an alcoholic, or even fears that he might be, his best hope for recovery would be to put down this book and get in contact with a local group of AA as quickly as possible. An alcoholic needs the Twelve Steps, but he needs them within the context of the Fellowship of AA."
This is a powerful, moving, and well thought out glimpse into what it's like to be "one of us." The alcoholic is a lonely, fearful, spiritually and morally bankrupt individual. If there is someone in your life suffering from addiction in any form, please read this. The second part of the book does an excellent job of paralleling the journey of the alcoholic, and the journey of the Christian. They are not contradictory, and the Twelve Steps violate no Theolgy.
I highly reccommend this book to any Christian, anyone on a spiritual journey.
thing is, you don't have to be Orthodox to appreciate this book. Father Meletios rites in such a way that anyone can understand and appreciate his work. His insistence, too, that an alcoholic NEEDS Alcoholics Anonymous is heartening to one who has heard far too many times "Well, all you need is to go to church. You just don't believe enough." Etc, etc, ad infinitum. In fact, at the bottom of page 13 & top of page 14 in Steps of Transformation, he emphatically states "If anyone reading this book thinks he may be an alcoholic, or even fears that he might be, his best hope for recovery would be to put down this book and get in contact with a local group of AA as quickly as possible. An alcoholic needs the Twelve Steps, but he needs them within the context of the Fellowship of AA."
This is a powerful, moving, and well thought out glimpse into what it's like to be "one of us." The alcoholic is a lonely, fearful, spiritually and morally bankrupt individual. If there is someone in your life suffering from addiction in any form, please read this. The second part of the book does an excellent job of paralleling the journey of the alcoholic, and the journey of the Christian. They are not contradictory, and the Twelve Steps violate no Theolgy.
I highly reccommend this book to any Christian, anyone on a spiritual journey.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Resource for Orthodox Christians in Recovery
Excellent resource for any Orthodox Christian recovering in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous . Father Meletios has experienced the literal 'hell' of slavery to alcohol and... Read more
Published 4 days ago by John M Crowe
5.0 out of 5 stars
good quality!
arrived quickly, super service! I wish every experience was like this! I use the book working with inmates at a state prison
Published 3 months ago by roundtable counseling
5.0 out of 5 stars
very good book
It is a very good book to read for those who are familiar with the concept of AA. The people who truly sick Orthodoxy.
Published 3 months ago by Tatiana Ivanova
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent for both addicts and their family/friends
This book is excellent for Orthodox Christians struggling in addiction (alcoholism or otherwise) that wish to follow a Twelve Step program. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Eastern Orthodox Christian layman
5.0 out of 5 stars
For AA members or non-alcoholics as well.
I saw a lecture that the author gave and he touched on the topics covered in this book. Although I'm not an alcoholic the idea of the book appealed to me in that the steps can... Read more
Published 20 months ago by M. Grant
4.0 out of 5 stars
Self Discovery, God, 12 steps and Orthodoxy
I read this book a while back and was glad an Orthodox person was speaking up for why the 12 steps work and why sometimes they fall short. Read more
Published on May 16, 2011 by Dan E. Nicholas
1.0 out of 5 stars
"Steps of Transformation: An Orthodox Priest Explores the Twelve...
I have never read anything claiming to be written from the perspective of Orthodox Christianity which was as UNKIND, as INSENSITIVE and totally LACKING LOVE AND COMPASSION for the... Read more
Published on November 10, 2010 by ILLIANA C. CHRISTOVA
5.0 out of 5 stars
12-Step Spirituality
Father Webber Meletios (trained in psychology and an Orthodox priest) wonderfully refreshing. Here is a book that combines the insights of 12 step programs with biblical text... Read more
Published on August 10, 2009 by John Mark Hicks
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sober in Church--not so novel, but less often encountered
I write this book review bearing in mind the "...many thousands of men and women [who] have recovered from alcoholism" (title page of the fourth edition, 'Alcoholics... Read more
Published on May 25, 2009 by Edward M. Freeman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Book on Recovery
This is probably the best book I have ever read on spirituality and recovery. It is right on the mark in every aspect. Read more
Published on February 28, 2008 by J. G. Swartley
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