Anonymous Christians: Support by Clergy of Addiction Recovery through Twelve Step Programs

by Herbert E. Hudson IV, Robert H. Albers (Foreword by)

Overview

This book explores the relationship of clergy to Twelve Step programs. Field research of pastors in the Florida Keys found that they are unsure if addiction is a disease or a sin, and whether the Twelve Steps are based on Christianity. Lessons learned include the validity of both traditional Twelve Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Christ-centered programs such as Celebrate Recovery, the coherence of sin and disease explanations of addiction, and the significance of modern addiction theory. The specific outcome of this study is the development of a course syllabus for clergy on addiction recovery through Twelve Step philosophy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781532634581
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	11/29/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	168
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Herbert E. Hudson IV, known to friends as Terry, is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister residing in Key Largo, Florida. He has engaged in a parachurch addiction-recovery ministry for forty-five years. He also has a background as an educator, is a professor emeritus from SUNY at Cortland, and currently serves as an adjunct professor at Trinity International University. Dr. Hudson holds a DMin degree from Trinity Evangelical and Divinity School.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations x

List of Tables xi

Foreword Robert H. Albers xiii

Acknowledgments xv

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Culture and the Significance of Addiction

Interventions

Relationship of the Topic to the Ministry of the Writer

Scope and Limitations

Goals and Objectives

Chapter 2 Theological and Biblical Perspectives 19

Humanity: Sin and Disease

God: Omnipotence, Abundance, and Forgiveness

Christ: Prophet of Healing

Prayer: Between Humanity and God

Miracles: Between God and Humanity

Koinonia: Empowerment of Fellowship

Summary

Chapter 3 Issues from Related Contemporary Literature 37

Literature on Knowledge Deficits in Addictionology

Literature on History and Background of Twelve Step Programs

Literature Explaining How Twelve Step Organizations Work

Literature on the Spiritual Features of the Twelve Step Design and Its Relation to Christianity

Literature on Current Information on Addiction Theory

Literature on the General Subject of Addiction Treatment

Summary

Chapter 4 Narrative of Research Execution 81

Methodology

Research Execution

Replicating the Research

Observation on the Pastorate and Summary

Chapter 5 Research Evaluation 87

First Goal: Understanding Pre-conditions of Pastors' Views

Second Goal: Ascertaining How Informed Pastors Are on Addiction and the Twelve Step Format

Third Goal: Determining Attitudes of Clergy Toward the Twelve Step Model

Fourth Goal: How Research Informs the Outcome of a Course Syllabus for Training Clergy

A General Narrative of What Pastors Shared

Summary

Chapter 6 Development of a Syllabus 111

Survey of Existing Courses

The Syllabus for a Course

Summary

Chapter 7 Conclusion 117

Lessons Learned

Afterword

Appendix A Behavioral Manifestations and Complications of Addiction 125

Appendix B Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnostic Criteria 126

Appendix C Gambling Disorder Diagnostic Criteria 128

Appendix D Questionnaire Including Statement of Informed Consent 129

Appendix E Informed Consent Statement for Interview 134

Appendix F Interview Questions 135

Appendix G Outline of the Syllabus 137

Bibliography 141

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“The consequence of this carefully designed research project is to extrapolate from what was learned, to create a syllabus that takes into consideration the history, the scientific research done on addiction and recovery as well as the theological framework articulated from a Christian perspective. The author does an excellent job of defining his intent and purpose and providing data from his research to make a strong case for educating clergy who are on the front lines of this battle with one of the nation’s most devastating problems.”

—Robert H. Albers, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Pastoral Care at United Theological Seminary, Twin Cities



“Anonymous Christians is a valuable resource for pastors and Christian educators seeking to better understand, and partner with, Twelve Step groups in the support of individuals struggling with addiction. Through his research and writing, Hudson has provided us with a long-awaited, much-needed guide to better equip current and future church leaders.”

—Julie Russo, Program Director of the Counseling Department, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School



“Hudson’s long personal engagement in addiction-recovery ministry has enabled a thoughtful and articulate history and field study of the church’s use of the Twelve Step addiction model. Readers will find not only biblical, theological, and historical context for the subject, but loads of critical reflection and application for their own work and teaching in addiction-recovery.”

—James R. Moore, Associate Professor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School



“A much needed, hope filled and readily accessible resource for equipping pastors to address one of the most challenging epidemics of our day. A gift to the Church!”

—Bill Donahue, Director of Professional Doctoral Programs, Trinity International University

Editorial Reviews

The consequence of this carefully designed research project is to extrapolate from what was learned, to create a syllabus that takes into consideration the history, the scientific research done on addiction and recovery as well as the theological framework articulated from a Christian perspective. The author does an excellent job of defining his intent and purpose and providing data from his research to make a strong case for educating clergy who are on the front lines of this battle with one of the nation’s most devastating problems.”

—Robert H. Albers, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Pastoral Care at United Theological Seminary, Twin Cities



“Anonymous Christians is a valuable resource for pastors and Christian educators seeking to better understand, and partner with, Twelve Step groups in the support of individuals struggling with addiction. Through his research and writing, Hudson has provided us with a long-awaited, much-needed guide to better equip current and future church leaders.”

—Julie Russo, Program Director of the Counseling Department, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School



“Hudson’s long personal engagement in addiction-recovery ministry has enabled a thoughtful and articulate history and field study of the church’s use of the Twelve Step addiction model. Readers will find not only biblical, theological, and historical context for the subject, but loads of critical reflection and application for their own work and teaching in addiction-recovery.”

—James R. Moore, Associate Professor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School



“A much needed, hope filled and readily accessible resource for equipping pastors to address one of the most challenging epidemics of our day. A gift to the Church!”

—Bill Donahue, Director of Professional Doctoral Programs, Trinity International University

From the Publisher