Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave : Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel (Resources for Changing Lives) (Paperback)

by Edward T. Welch (Author) "Jim had been sober for a yearan amazing feat for someone who had been drunk about half his forty-five years..." (more)
Key Phrases: battle with sin, addicts feel, progressive sanctification, Jesus Christ, Speaking the Truth, God's Word (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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."

From the Publisher
A book on addictions written by a leader of the biblical counseling movement, informed by the author's wide experience in counseling people with addictions.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: P & R Publishing (November 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875526063
• ISBN-13: 978-0875526065
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #17,664 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book has Answers!, July 8, 2002

By	Reddit Andrews, III (Elk Grove, CA) - See all my reviews

Welch's treatment of addictions should be required reading for Christian workers. His books provides both understanding and ammunition for those who will inevitably have to deal with the problem of addictions and other compulsive behavior patterns. Ed Welch gives a thoughtful and urgently needed analysis of the step approaches that is both sensitive and irenic. He effectively sets the subject of addictions forth in its wider Scriptural diminsions, which opens up a path forward to newness and hope. Perhaps the most exciting feature of his book is the fact that he evinces a solid grasp on the reformed view of sanctification from beginning to end. This affords the reader with great confidence that understanding is being gained within the context of substantial theological committments. He who reads this book will certainly come away from it better equipped to handle the problem of addictions in the local Church.

Pastor Reddit

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical and empathetic, January 1, 2006

By	David "still learning" (Eastern USA) - See all my reviews

Welch's treatment of addictions is both Biblical and empathetic He recognizes that sin can also be bondage. Though he does not buy into the modern idea of addiction as a "disease" (and he makes very good arguments on that subject), he is not harsh or judgmental. He speaks credibly, using many examples, though they focus primarily on alcohol and drugs, and much less on other major addictions like eating disorders, sex, gambling, or Internet chat.

He is rather skeptical about psychology in general and 12-step groups in particular, saying that they are not necessary for a Christian, and that could be controversial, because they have helped many people. Yet I appreciate his asking tough questions about them because someone could make a group into his "higher power" instead of God.

Ultimately, I found the book helpful (though not a magical panacea) because it places the focus and hope in God, more than in people, principles, trends, and techniques. Christians will appreciate his high view of Scripture. It will be helpful for the reader to consider other authors' viewpoints, because though Welch bases his book on Scripture and extensive experience, he is after all still just a man. Non-Christians should check it out to challenge the conventional wisdom.

Having read several of Welch's books, I think this was one of the best.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight , September 10, 2005

By	David W. Fresch (Sugar Land, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great book that shows addiction from a Christian standpoint. Welch does not hold back as he often makes it very clear that Christians are not doing enough and shows when secular practices are doing what the Bible says to do even when churches and Christians are not. As a counselor who works in a drug recovery program in Houston, Texas, I am finding this book very helpful. Even if you are not a Christian, I encourage you to read this book - Welch's insight on how beliefs affect our actions and how to confront addicts in love will likely benefit you, and he will definitely leave you with something to think about.