Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave

This is an extremely helpful book. Ed Welch writes practically, both for addicts and their family, friends and counsellors who are trying to help them. \\r\\nThe term """"addictions"""" now covers much more than the traditional drug and alcohol problems - food, gambling, sex, pornography, exercise, TV, and love are just some of the new inclusions. \\r\\nWhile there are many similarities to the mainstream secular approaches to addictive disorders, Welch brings essential biblical understanding to the problem - addiction is a worship disorder. Whatever else may be going on, the question """"Will we worship ourselves and our own desires, or will be worship the true God?"""" is at the core of addiction. \\r\\nIn a dramatic picture drawn from Proverbs 9:13-18, Welch shows how Scripture reveals the true condition of addicts: like guests at a banquet thrown by """"the woman Folly,"""" rather than living life to the full, they are feasting in the grave. \\r\\nMost importantly, practical solutions are offered, the most significant being the power of God in the gospel. Jesus Christ, working through his Spirit, his word, and his people, holds the greatest hope for addicts to find freedom. The material on the fear of the Lord is very powerful, and a real key to fighting entrenched sinful patterns. \\r\\nFor anyone who struggles with an addiction of any sort, or who is trying to help someone else, I highly recommend this book. It has been proven to help. \\r\\n