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A power greater than myself A true story by “Paul” I was raised in a church that emphasized regular Sunday attendance, Bible reading, and rules. My teenage years were focused on challenging the rules, which created an inner conflict of remorse and shame when my behavior collided with my values. I dealt with my guilt through numerous “back to Jesus” experiences, but I kept backsliding. My weekend binge drinking caused me to drop out of university. My parents hoped a stint at a Bible school might straighten me out. During my time at the school, I abandoned my drinking friends, met my wife, and settled down to raise a family. We became active members in our Mennonite church, involved in youth work and music. My job, however, introduced me to a circle of friends and a work environment that pressured me to drink to fit in. … I was one person during the week and another on Sundays. I became alcoholic. What is alcoholism? Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disorder that involves a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. People who are alcoholics show patterns of excessive or uncontrolled use of alcohol. Often, alcoholism occurs alongside other mental or emotional health problems, which call for additional courses of treatment . . . What causes alcoholism? Frequent and steady use of alcohol can increase the risk of alcoholism.
But there are many other important factors that predispose people
to alcoholism. Alcoholism, the Bible, and the Christian story say? The Bible was written in ancient cultures where wine was an accepted part of one’s diet. Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding party. He gave his disciples the wine of the Passover meal as a symbol of his blood, shed for us. Paul recommended that his apprentice Timothy take wine “for his stomach’s sake” (1 Timothy 5:23). But the Bible also recognizes that abusing alcohol can cause physical harm to oneself and others and can derail relationships with people and with God. In the book of Genesis, following the Great Flood and God’s covenant with Noah, the first story concerns the humiliation and family conflict that ensued from Noah’s drunkenness (Genesis 9:18-27). The Bible contains a number of other stories and instructions that warn against the dangers of alcohol abuse. “Do not get drunk with wine,” the Apostle Paul writes, “but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18). For a colorful picture of someone overcome by drink, see Proverbs 23:29-35. . . . Steps toward healing 1. Face the truth. If you are drinking heavily or showing signs of alcohol addiction (see page XX), stop the denial and the hiding. Go to loved ones and spiritual mentors who care and let them know that you want to confront the problem. 2. See your doctor. He or she may run tests to determine your level of dependency, explore links to other disorders, and help you find the right path toward healing. This will involve one or a combination of . . . Buy the pamphlet here to read the rest...
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