We are all addicted in some way.
When we learn to identify our addiction, embrace our brokenness, and surrender to God, we begin to bring healing to ourselves and our world. In Breathing Under Water, Richard Rohr shows how the gospel principles in the Twelve Steps can free anyone from any addiction—from an obvious dependence on alcohol or drugs to the more common but less visible addiction that we all have to sin.
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89 of 97 people found the following review helpful.
12 Steps in Christian-ese
By Virginia Woodward
Father Rohr takes AA’s 12 steps & puts a Christian spin on them (adding Jesus’ teachings to the mix..) As a long-time fan of Father Rohr, a Franciscan priest, this is one of my favorite sets. Totally real, and REALLY helpful (even if you’re not recovering from substance abuse, this definitey is a Faith-strengthen-er!) Must confess that some of Father Rohr’s other stuff is WAY over my head, but these practical recordings walk through the recovery process step by step. Especially like his take on mercy. Not just words, it’s an attitude — as folks in AA humbly stand and say “I’m an alcoholic”.. the church can learn to be humble like that — Lord have Mercy. REAL mercy. We sure need it! These CDs are from the 80s (some references a bit dated); but insights still very relevant. (Thought Father Rohr did a conference a few yrs ago.. there may be an updated version.)
47 of 55 people found the following review helpful.
Spirituality and the Twelve Steps
By Carol Blank
This review refers to the paperback book published in 2011Richard Rohr joined the Franciscans in 1961 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1970, the same year he earned a master’s degree in theology. In 1971 he founded the New Jerusalem Community in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1987 he established the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he serves as founding director, dividing his time between local work and preaching and teaching around the world. The center is designed as a place of discernment and growth for activists and those interested in social service ministries.Rohr is best known for his audio and video tapes, CDs, books, and articles. His themes include Scripture as liberation, integration of action and contemplation, community building, peace and justice, and eco-spirituality. His latest work, Breathing Under Water, is based on a series of talks Rohr gave 25 years ago connecting the Gospel to the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. He begins with two connections: (1) what we now label “addiction” can be compared to what the bible called “sin” (2) sin, like addiction, may be viewed as a disease rather than something that is punishable and displeasing to God. He expands the commonly held idea of addiction to something broader and also hidden. He suggests that individuals today are addicted to our own way of doing things, our own defenses, and our own way of thinking and processing reality.The book is formatted in twelve chapters, corresponding to the AA steps. Each chapter opens with the text of the step being addressed and relevant quotations from Scripture. Rohr often holds up elements in established religion, yes, Catholic too, that seem not to contribute to the necessary healing. At the same time, he does not condemn those practices, but suggests ways in which they might be altered to comply more fully with the healing message of Jesus.For more information on the center, and a list of services and resources, search the Internet for Center for Action and Contemplation.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful.
Christian Recovery
By Marie Nacht
As a Twelfth-Stepper who is also a Christian, I found this book a wonderful guide in my journey towards a better relationship with Jesus, who is my Higher Power. This book would also be helpful to those who are the family and friends of those of us in recovery.
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