Is Addiction the Sin of Idolatry, or is it a disease?

[Miri]

People turn to other things for comfort, escapism, stress relief, fulfilment because life isn’t how they expected it to be. Sometimes it’s to be part of the crowd, to be part of a group, peer pressure. To relieve physical and mental pain.

I very much doubt idolatry comes into it in the west. Possible in lesser developed countries where idols are intentionally worshiped it may do.

But back to the West. If it becomes a true addiction ie drugs, nicotine then it becomes a medical issue, the addiction is not imaginary at all.

If it’s addiction to food, gambling, shopping etc. Then it’s usually a mental health issue stress, depression, unresolved conflict, turmoil etc.

For example if a woman is raped then goes on to make herself deliberately unattractive to put on weight as an unconscious way of protecting herself and becomes addicted to food, no one would even suggest that was idolatry.

Here is the big one, all of the above can even happen to born again Christians and it does.

People need physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Unfortunately many churches are ill equipped to help even their own, let alone non Christians.

The reason being is most do not understand the true causes they are too quick to blame it on idolatry, unbelief, sin etc so people are ashamed to admit they need help.

Churches and Christians (us) should be places of healing and anointing, saving and uplifting, convicting and salvation.

Instead the Christian ethic is often one of judgement, condemnation and shunning.

Jesus gave us the example of touching leper’s, eating with sinners, speaking with tax collectors, revealing himself to shepherds (who were traditionally despised), talking to a woman who has several men etc (woman at the well).

But many Christians don’t follow this example, they would rather debate about whether addiction is sin, a disease or idolatry instead.

 

[calibob]

People turn to other things for comfort, escapism, stress relief, fulfilment because life isn’t how they expected it to be. Sometimes it’s to be part of the crowd, to be part of a group, peer pressure. To relieve physical and mental pain.

I very much doubt idolatry comes into it in the west. Possible in lesser developed countries where idols are intentionally worshiped it may do.

But back to the West. If it becomes a true addiction ie drugs, nicotine then it becomes a medical issue, the addiction is not imaginary at all.

If it’s addiction to food, gambling, shopping etc. Then it’s usually a mental health issue stress, depression, unresolved conflict, turmoil etc.

For example if a woman is raped then goes on to make herself deliberately unattractive to put on weight as an unconscious way of protecting herself and becomes addicted to food, no one would even suggest that was idolatry.

Here is the big one, all of the above can even happen to born again Christians and it does.

People need physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Unfortunately many churches are ill equipped to help even their own, let alone non Christians.

The reason being is most do not understand the true causes they are too quick to blame it on idolatry, unbelief, sin etc so people are ashamed to admit they need help.

Churches and Christians (us) should be places of healing and anointing, saving and uplifting, convicting and salvation.

Instead the Christian ethic is often one of judgement, condemnation and shunning.

Jesus gave us the example of touching leper’s, eating with sinners, speaking with tax collectors, revealing himself to shepherds (who were traditionally despised), talking to a woman who has several men etc (woman at the well).

But many Christians don’t follow this example, they would rather debate about whether addiction is sin, a disease or idolatry instead.

It can become idolatry though. Anything that we'd worship that isn't God is. And the word worship isn't fixed only upon statues or graven images but when some falls in love with the work of their own hands that's idolatry too. I feel that when I used to sit at blackjack tables for sometimes over 30 straight without a thought about the Lord trying to guess which card the dealer was holding unseen and should I hit or stay that it was a form of idolatry too. I actually knew a guy that was hooked on TV wrestling and would become irate if someone said it was fake. He was willing to fight over it. What's that about?

 

[Absolutely]

All lost humans are into idolatry.
Of course drug use is connected to idolitry.
We can frame it all/or anyway we want.
What anyone captured and captive in addiction needs is a game changer.
That is where the Holy Ghost comes in.

A percentage on addicts are "happy" where they are. Many smokers enjoy their addiction.
Gamers enjoy their addiction.

They are difficult to reach.
Sex sin addicts enjoy their addiction.

Freedom is work.
Initial deliverance is not work.
When leaving egypt everything was provided to the hebrews.
Shade
Heat
Light
Food
Water
Protection
Clothes never wearing out.
Healing
Even a judge to help in disputes.
All provided. All free.
But once in the promise land(our walk as mature saints) it was much work.

The addict must have either a provided abundance of free time,or a method for freeing up "time space" to get back to his addiction.
If there were no time for addiction then there would be no addiction.

I wrote a sermon for a radio program entitled "temptation or addiction"
It was based on our inherent weakness.

 

[Absolutely]

Is an addict escaping FROM something...or going to something?
(Assuming leaving the addiction is even on the table)
Salvation is never solely leaving the arena or life of the devil.
It is always "going to Jesus initially,then the celestial city"

An addict has to have Jesus to get free. The Holy Ghost (power) to walk free in Jesus.

 

[calibob]

Is an addict escaping FROM something...or going to something?
(Assuming leaving the addiction is even on the table)
Salvation is never solely leaving the arena or life of the devil.
It is always "going to Jesus initially,then the celestial city"

An addict has to have Jesus to get free. The Holy Ghost (power) to walk free in Jesus.

Everyone needs Jesus to get and stay free. Our duty is to carry the message, be of service and love one another. Love is the first and most important fruit of the Holy Spirit.

 

[calibob]

All lost humans are into idolatry.
Of course drug use is connected to idolitry.
We can frame it all/or anyway we want.
What anyone captured and captive in addiction needs is a game changer.
That is where the Holy Ghost comes in.

A percentage on addicts are "happy" where they are. Many smokers enjoy their addiction.
Gamers enjoy their addiction.

They are difficult to reach.
Sex sin addicts enjoy their addiction.

Freedom is work.
Initial deliverance is not work.
When leaving egypt everything was provided to the hebrews.
Shade
Heat
Light
Food
Water
Protection
Clothes never wearing out.
Healing
Even a judge to help in disputes.
All provided. All free.
But once in the promise land(our walk as mature saints) it was much work.

The addict must have either a provided abundance of free time,or a method for freeing up "time space" to get back to his addiction.
If there were no time for addiction then there would be no addiction.

I wrote a sermon for a radio program entitled "temptation or addiction"
It was based on our inherent weakness.

Meetings, fellowships and study groups are a great way to fill the abundance of time we receive as we become clean, sober and sane.

 

[UnitedWithChrist]

Fair enough. But people should understand. When you see very sick people who have a whole cabinet full of meds, its because they started off on one only. The ONE they take has SIDE effects, every doctor knows this (its isn't written on the back "may cause hell") and the reason I say this is because the "side effect" can be worse that what they suffered with from the first place. People should read the leaflets and would be shocked. The doctor then has to prescribe ANOTHER med to counteract the first - leading to a long chain of more and more and more. People cant just "come off" these things as they get a rush of hormones, brain release chemicals all at once that can drive them into a deep place (Jordan Peterson a good example recently). A lot of people who become addicted to pain killers including some very famous people actually, usually start off with an injury that they take pain killers for thinking that they wont do any harm. All until they cannot stop and then they are "addicted to painkillers". All because they listened to their well meaning Doctor. If you ask any Doctor they agree. Side effects, some of which are horrific. Its all about pain and pain relief internal or external. Not having a good time and forgetting God.

Right, that CAN BE a reason. However, I think many using recreational drugs are trying to fill a heart void. Either that, or they are wrapped up in sin, and they are medicating the guilt that results from their sin.

For instance, I have encountered individuals involved in gross sexual immorality who admitted medicating their guilt with drugs.

 

[UnitedWithChrist]

But you cant save or help sinners if you dont hang around with any of them or have nothing to do with them? Jesus sat and ate with sinners so why cant you? In fact Jesus only came for sinners not the righteous. If you are in a hospital bed ill, you cannot insist on a Christian surgeon. Or maybe you can in the US but in the UK you are lucky to see a surgeon at all there is such a waiting list, let alone question his faith.

Luke 5:32 32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Mark 2:17 17On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

I'm not going to a non-Christian for help, and there's a lot of Christians I wouldn't want to be around either.

I don't have any problems with Christians associating with non-Christians as long as they aren't being drug into immorality themselves, and are a positive influence.

One individual here bragged about going out with her son's friends and drinking with them at a club. Apparently she got involved sexually with one of her son's friends, who told her son about it. The son won't talk to her now. I don't think her "evangelism" helped anyone..she was a 50 plus old woman having sex with guys in their early 20's apparently.

 

[UnitedWithChrist]

Wow in Australia it costs $22.00 a pack sometimes more. They used to cost $10.00 a pack.

That's a ton of money.

 

[Magenta]

I guess we have a very different view on this subject. Some consider substance abusing a sin that needs to be spiritually dealt with and some believe substance abusing is an illness requiring medical intervention. We all have different ideas about this subject, but it doesnt mean I dont believe in Gods kindness aswell. I just think Grace is being emphasized over everything else on this site. The "hyper grace" moment. I believe all scriptures should have an impact in our lives not just the positive ones that make us feel good. 😉

Who has said anything to the effect that addiction does not need to be dealt with spiritually? You repeatedly and willfully ignore the central essential spiritual component of the program, and deny the fact that a spiritual solution is offered through the 12 steps. Yes, you are entitled to your uninformed opinion, but it would be better for everyone if you accepted the fact that your opinion does not align with truth.

 

[Nat2019]

Who has said anything to the effect that addiction does not need to be dealt with spiritually? You repeatedly and willfully ignore the central essential spiritual component of the program, and deny the fact that a spiritual solution is offered through the 12 steps. Yes, you are entitled to your uninformed opinion, but it would be better for everyone if you accepted the fact that your opinion does not align with truth.

Yes only people like you have truth obviously. Sorry I dont have the truth🤔. Truths or different to each person. Just because it's your truth it doesnt mean it's someone elses. And this is not based on the "whole" bible anyway.

 

[Magenta]

Yes only people like you have truth obviously. Sorry I dont have the truth🤔. Truths or different to each person. Just because it's your truth it doesnt mean it's someone elses. And this is based on the whole bible anyway.

Your sarcasm does not help your case, or relieve you of your blindness.

I posted them before. Here they are again:

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Step 9: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

 

[Nat2019]

Your sarcasm does not help your case, or relieve you of your blindness.

I posted them before. Here they are again:

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Step 9: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

You kind of people think that every one is blind but yourselves and you always turn nasty when someone doesnt agree you.

 

[Magenta]

You kind of people think that every one is blind but yourselves and you always turn nasty when someone doesnt agree you.

I guess you consider only you are entitled to a dissenting opinion and anyone else is being unfair or unreasonable even though you repeatedly ignored what was put in front of you, and then called truth relative! How peculiar, but then again not surprising. Why are the 12 steps are so offensive to you? Eh, rhetorical question. You have made up your mind.

"'There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance—that principle is contempt prior to investigation.'" - Herbert Spencer- Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Appendice II, Spiritual Experience, pg. 568~

I just want to say that because I have different beliefs on this thread it doesnt mean I am unfair or unreasonable. I dont say that about others on here with different ideas on the subject. I am stating my views and they are stating theirs. If this site cant handle any kind of difference in opinions, it should be stated in the joining conditions, Hopefully I won't get banned for these comments. I have seen my inability to Express my beliefs on here just because I have different ones. These are my own personal beliefs on this subject, just like other people have them. So everyone that has different beliefs is unfair or unreasonable.

 

[Nat2019]

I guess you consider only you are entitled to a dissenting opinion and anyone else is being unfair or unreasonable even though you repeatedly ignored what was put in front of you, and then called truth relative! How peculiar, but then again not surprising. Why are the 12 steps are so offensive to you? Eh, rhetorical question. You have made up your mind.

"'There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance—that principle is contempt prior to investigation.'" - Herbert Spencer- Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Appendice II, Spiritual Experience, pg. 568~

I dont have to agree with you. I am entitled to my own beliefs and thoughts, just like you are.

 

[Magenta]

I dont have to agree with you. I am entitled to my own beliefs and thoughts, just like you are.

Oh, I agree, you can remain in your ignorance as long as you like and pretend you are enlightened and fair.

 

[Nat2019]

Your sarcasm does not help your case, or relieve you of your blindness.

I posted them before. Here they are again:

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Step 9: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

In "my opinion" this looks like it be for "any" God.

 

[Nat2019]

Oh, I agree, you can remain in your ignorance as long as you like and pretend you are enlightened and fair.

Yes you dont like others having a different opinion. By the way I am not in "ignorance" because I dont agree with you. You need to learn some skills in dealing with those with other beliefs. Your opinions are right to "you". Not everyone in the world. It doesn't mean they are -----truth-----. Truths are different to ea ch person in the world.

 

[calibob]

I guess we have a very different view on this subject. Some consider substance abusing a sin that needs to be spiritually dealt with and some believe substance abusing is an illness requiring medical intervention. We all have different ideas about this subject, but it doesnt mean I dont believe in Gods kindness aswell. I just think Grace is being emphasized over everything else on this site. The "hyper grace" moment. I believe all scriptures should have an impact in our lives not just the positive ones that make us feel good. 😉

Substance abuse and addiction are two different things. Substance abuse generally starts as a recreational, social and/or cultural. I can lead to habitual use and/or abuse however addiction is when it has gone beyond into a form of insanity. Sudden unmonitored withdrawl can lead to Withdrawal, nausea shakes or lethargy, psychotic episodes, depression. Hyper mania, seizures, stroke even death. Even after all that has past the uncontrol able phenomena of cravings still return with a vengeance. Protracted Acute Withdrawal Syndrome can last over a year after becoming clean and sober. Symptoms like blackouts, getting lost in familiar places like riding the local bus. Hearing voices depression and paranoia occasionally return also.

The 12 step program is not easy. Reciting the steps are cursory. The real work starts in Step 4 & 5. Doing the personal inventory and comming to grips with recognizing ourselves as we really are and not the person we'd like to think we are. As well as uncovering old hurts and whatever our part in it was. Even holding a grudges against those who have done us wrong is counter productive. After it all gets itemized finding in writing, finding some one to tell it all to is the next requirement. If we ask the Lord to deliver us, the idea is to know exactly what from because the addicted parts of the brain loves to make excuses in order to return to the pig trough..

 

[calibob]

In "my opinion" this looks like it be for "any" God.

True it's up to each individual to find God on their own. But there are Christian 12 step Groups around all we have to do is look around; Note it is not a substitute for other ministries but an addition to them.

Celebrate Recovery 12 Steps and Biblical Comparisons


1. We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.
For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18 NIV



2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 NIV



3. We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 NIV



4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40 NIV



5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16a NIV



6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 NIV



7. We humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NIV



8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31 NIV



9. We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24 NIV



10. We continue to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 1 Corinthians 10:12


11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us, and power to carry that out.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3:16a NIV



12. Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and practice these principles in all our affairs.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1 NIV