Worship and Addiction: A Spiritual Exploration

This chapter examines the intricate relationship between worship and addiction, likening the latter to a false deity that demands sacrifices and distorts one's priorities. It draws connections between biblical teachings and contemporary issues, emphasizing the need for genuine devotion to God over dependency on substances or behaviors. The discussion highlights the spiritual implications of attachment and desire, advocating for reflection and practices like fasting to enhance one's spiritual connection.

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The Impossible Prize In this episode, we explore The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction, a forthcoming book that examines addiction not just as a habit or illness, but as a form of misplaced worship. We discuss how addiction draws us toward false gods, demanding our devotion and shaping our lives in ways we barely recognize. More than a personal struggle, addiction weaves itself into families, communities, and churches—warping trust, distorting love, and hollowing out the soul. How can we reclaim what has been lost? How do we confront addiction not just physically and mentally, but as a deeply spiritual battle? Join us as we dig into these questions and consider a way forward, one rooted in truth, grace, and the renewal of the whole person.

SHOW NOTES:

The Impossible Prize (1517) https://shop.1517.org/products/9781962654708-the-impossible-prize

The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction https://amzn.to/4h8SD44

A Theology of Addiction with Donavon Riley (Outside Ourselves) https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/a-theology-of-addiction-with-donavon-riley

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