Victims and sinners

Book Description

In a society where millions seek healing through addiction recovery programs, questions arise about the spiritual foundations underlying these transformative journeys. Linda Mercadante examines the complex relationship between traditional Christian theology and modern recovery movements, revealing how many programs selectively adopt religious concepts while avoiding others that might feel harsh or unwelcoming to participants.

This thoughtful exploration addresses a fundamental tension: how can recovery programs honor both the reality of personal responsibility and the compassionate recognition that addiction often stems from deep wounds and circumstances beyond individual control? Mercadante navigates between two extremes, rejecting approaches that either heap excessive blame on those struggling with addiction or completely remove personal accountability from the healing process.

Written for pastoral counselors, clergy members, laypeople, and anyone involved in recovery communities, this work bridges the gap between theological understanding and practical application. The author challenges religious communities to become more actively engaged in supporting recovery efforts while developing more nuanced ways of discussing difficult spiritual concepts.

Rather than offering simple answers, Mercadante invites readers into a deeper conversation about how faith communities can better serve those on the path to healing. Her analysis provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand how spirituality and recovery intersect, offering hope for more effective and compassionate approaches to addiction and healing.