Twelve Steps to Destruction: Codependency/Recovery Heresies (Paperback)

~ (Author), Deidre Bobgan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book is written for those who are suffering from the trials of life and for those who want to help. It is for those who are thinking about joining a recovery group or entering a treatment center for addiction or codependency. It is also for those who are currently in such a program and for those have tried twelve-step programs and found them lacking. The Bobgans examine codependency/recovery teachings, Alcoholics Anonymous, twelve-step groups, and addiction treatment programs from a biblical, historical, and research perspective. They urge believers to trust in the sufficiency of Christ, the Word of God, and the fellowship of the saints.

About the Author

Martin Bobgan holds four college degrees, including a doctorate from the University of Colorado, and is the president of PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries. Deidre holds an M.A. in English from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. They have coauthored numerous books and articles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 247 pages
• Publisher: EastGate Publishers; 1st edition (June 30, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941717054
• ISBN-13: 978-0941717052
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #641,794 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Critique of Pure Nonsense, May 28, 2003

By	W. Foley (Canandaigua NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I grew up in a home with two alcoholic parents. I lived through many painful and life shaping events. As a young adult I was hurting and searching for a way out of the pain and despair. I was led to a church that expressed the types of beliefs Martin Bobgan expresses in the book "12-Steps to Destruction: Co Dependency Recovery Heresy." I went to two services a week, attended Bible studies, prayed and read my Bible daily, and pestered my pastor for counseling for my disturbed soul and tortured mind. But instead of the solace and healing I was promised, I grew worse.

But by the grace of God I was led to a 12 Step Group. It saved my life, it saved my sanity. It proved that old adage that "Religion is for those who want to avoid Hell, but Spirituality is for those who are in Hell and want to get out." I could have spent years in Church and Bible studies and I would never have faced the issues and emotions that were necessary for my healing. The pastors could not facilitate the healing process because they are not trained for it, that is not the focus of Churches...in my opinion. Churches and beliefs systems as espoused in, "Twelve Steps to Destruction: Co Dependency Recovery Heresy," seem more concerned about conformity to doctrine and winning souls to avoid unceasing punishment for finite transgressions. They try to be all things to all people because they see the world as fallen, and in the hands of the devil, and they see themselves as saved. In this rigid fear based dualistic ideology, where it is now "us against them," it is an anathema to look towards our secular society for help. Therefore I was directed to Biblical passages that seemed to indoctrinate, but, ultimately, they had absolutely nothing of relevancy to offer that could assist with the problems I had.

St. Anselm (1033-1109), a theologian and philosopher of the Middle Ages, presented in his ontological argument that because God is infinite he cannot be grasped by the mind of man. Therefore any God so conceived by the mind of man is not God but merely a manifestation of his or her projections. So I think the book is the author's concept of God and his own projections. I think God Transcends all human concepts and religions. In my opinion Martin Bobgan's god is small and punitive, reflecting a pedagogy that originated from an ancient culture which is sorely out of date. To again site St. Anselm he says, "God teach my heart where and how it may find you." Who is anyone, like the authors of 12 Steps To Destruction, to say where and where-not they can find God? Also, the 12 Steps teach surrender, looking within, letting go, healing defects of character, making amends to those we have harmed, and helping others who also suffer. How could any religious philosophy be opposed to that? But that is only my projection.

13 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book about the Alcoholics Anonymous Program, August 13, 2001

By A Customer

Hats off to the Bobgans! This is an excellent book about the spiritual perils of the 12 step program as compared to Biblical Christianity. A must read for Christians involved in the program or contemplating joining AA.

22 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The false religion of the 12-Step program, May 20, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This book is a must for all Christians and especially those who are seeking to find help in the numerous 12-Step recovery programs. The Bobgans go into detail about the occult beginnings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson's "spiritual" awakening, and the methods he used to write the 12-Step program (which is the basis for the majority of recovery/codependency groups). The real definition of alcoholism is explained as a sin, not a sickness/disease. Freedom comes only when a drunk confesses and repents of his/her sin of drunkenness and receives forgiveness from the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, and only then, will he/she find salvation and freedom from the bondage of sin. This book goes into detail about codependency programs (all based on the 12-Steps). Some people may be offended by the content of this book, but if one calls himself/herself a Christian, and truly loves the Lord Jesus Christ and is committed to His Word, the 12-Step program will have no part in his/her life. A real eye-opener!