I work with addicts and convicts, too. Perhaps, Lutheran doctrine can be helpful here. As Christians we're described by Luther as Simul Justus et peccator. We are sinners and saints simultaneously. If we forget either, we diminish the beauty of the gospel.
Calling ourselves alcoholics neglects the truth that we are redeemed. Calling ourselves dearly loved children of the Most High--because that is what we are--can obscure the fact that we continue to need redeeming every hour.
We are somehow both sinners and saints at the same time until we leave this world and our sinful nature behind for good.
Being precise with our labels and definitions is important. I appreciate your thoughts on the subject.
I definitely agree I think primarily what I was addressing was the secular point of view. Of it being an incurable illness, I believe there is freedom that can be found in Jesus. It’s not the same for everyone. We each have a different gift of Grace.
As one who works with addicts and convicts on a full time basis, I like the focus on watching out for what identity markers we choose. Those labels matter, for sure. But "Your chains are gone--now walk in freedom," carries the unintended weight of the sense that it is up to you and your personal walk with Christ. Ed Welch in his book Crossroads labels addiction as "voluntary slavery", and it's the slavery part that most folks don't know how to reckon with and so remain silent and distant from the one struggling. I wish the last line of this post were said more like, "...now let US walk in freedom together." The person battling addiction/fighting to stay sober needs a network of redeemed relationships helping them lift and heal the shame, helping them find security in Christ and His body, and helping them break all the remnants of those chains that continue to dog their mind, heart, eyes, hands, etc.
I appreciate the feedback. I love Ed Welch and this book specifically. I teach weekly at a local recovery and have used that book. I completely agree that a network is needed. All of us need the body of Christ and believers to walk alongside us.
I work with addicts and convicts, too. Perhaps, Lutheran doctrine can be helpful here. As Christians we're described by Luther as Simul Justus et peccator. We are sinners and saints simultaneously. If we forget either, we diminish the beauty of the gospel.
Calling ourselves alcoholics neglects the truth that we are redeemed. Calling ourselves dearly loved children of the Most High--because that is what we are--can obscure the fact that we continue to need redeeming every hour.
We are somehow both sinners and saints at the same time until we leave this world and our sinful nature behind for good.
Being precise with our labels and definitions is important. I appreciate your thoughts on the subject.
I definitely agree I think primarily what I was addressing was the secular point of view. Of it being an incurable illness, I believe there is freedom that can be found in Jesus. It’s not the same for everyone. We each have a different gift of Grace.
As one who works with addicts and convicts on a full time basis, I like the focus on watching out for what identity markers we choose. Those labels matter, for sure. But "Your chains are gone--now walk in freedom," carries the unintended weight of the sense that it is up to you and your personal walk with Christ. Ed Welch in his book Crossroads labels addiction as "voluntary slavery", and it's the slavery part that most folks don't know how to reckon with and so remain silent and distant from the one struggling. I wish the last line of this post were said more like, "...now let US walk in freedom together." The person battling addiction/fighting to stay sober needs a network of redeemed relationships helping them lift and heal the shame, helping them find security in Christ and His body, and helping them break all the remnants of those chains that continue to dog their mind, heart, eyes, hands, etc.
I appreciate the feedback. I love Ed Welch and this book specifically. I teach weekly at a local recovery and have used that book. I completely agree that a network is needed. All of us need the body of Christ and believers to walk alongside us.