Whether it’s the neurochemical dependencies on alcohol, narcotics, or tobacco, or another overwhelming compulsion, addiction has long served as fertile ground for spiritual insight. Many of our writers have histories with addition, family patterns of alcoholism, or work the 12 steps in search of serenity. Here’s a list of reflections on how they find hope, comfort, and insight as they call on their higher power for help.
Christianity, Addiction, and Recovery
Grace in Addiction by John Z.
One of Mockingbird’s earliest publications, Grace in Addiction is John Z’s attempt to introduce Christianity to the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and introduce AA to the gospel spirit at the root of recovery. “Packed with vivid illustrations, good humor, and practical wisdom, Grace in Addiction attempts to bridge this divide and carry the unexpected good news of AA out of the basement and into the pews — and beyond!”
Freedom Isn’t Free, by Connor Gwin
Many churches play host to various 12-step meetings, but many churchgoers have a distorted view of the addicted. Most are not homeless men gathered around a burning trashcan. Most are average folks, men and women, who have spent their lives keeping up appearances while the truth of addiction has been gnawing away at their souls. Many are mothers and fathers. Many are young people. They are not moral failures but people who have literally lost control.
Inhabiting Sobriety and Feasts of the Ordinary, by Charlotte Getz
“Everything I could envision was dull and colorless — my whole identity, flatlined.” Mommy-wine culture brought out Charlotte Getz’s powerlessness, and led her to a sobriety that restored her to being present with her family. Author Leslie James and Anthony Hopkins help along her journey, as does the Old Testament priest Zachariah and St. Paul.
Grace in the Age of Fentanyl, by David Zahl
“Marx famously called religion the opiate of the masses, but these days opiates are the opiates of the masses.” A reflection on the opioid pandemic that asks what kind of spirituality is needed to combat the crisis of meaning at its core. Tim Kreider and Andrew Sullivan assist, as well as a remarkable police officer on the front line of the epidemic.
Recovery is Belief. God is the Ladder, by Ian Olson
Starting Al-Anon, the 12 step program for family members impacted by addiction, Ian Olsen learns hard truths about himself. With the help of philosopher Blaise Pascal, writer David Foster Wallace, and The Big Book of Christianity (the Bible), Ian comes to the realization that our belief in a higher power is not a prerequisite for the higher power’s involvement in our recovery.
I Am Only as Happy as My Childhood Allows Me to Be, by Duo Dickinson
Duo Dickinson shares his perspective on the famous 1983 book Adult Children of Alcoholics by Janet Woititz, and opens up about the way alcohol dominated his childhood. While he never measured up to his tortured family’s expectations, the Christian Gospel offered him love outside of earning, and helped him navigate longstanding PTSD for his own family’s sake.
