Thursday Notes
10/16/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 4: The Descent into Addiction." (pp. 65-83). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
In this chapter, Welch considers how the biblical model of idolatry can illustrate the descent into addiction (Welch 2001, p. 65). He observes that it is quite likely that people move toward addiction in their attitudes before significant interaction with a substance or situation. This he considers to be due to our propensity toward sin, since we are in a fallen world (Welch 2001, p. 66). Such a descent into bondage is familiar to us all. Because of our understanding of the tendency, he contends we should be eager to help others who are endangered.
The beginning of addiction, in Welch's analysis, may normally be found in our indifference to what God's word says, or our lack of preparedness to deal with the attractive nature of sin (Welch 2001, p. 67). Curiosity, experimentation among friends, or social desires can quickly lead people into substance abuse or other types of bondage (Welch 2001, p. 68). Welch relates this to a biblical category of idolatry, due to similarity with Israel's behavior. The people had numerous cultural warnings against seeking security in the idols of neighboring cultures. However, gradually, they compromised as concerned the idol worship around them (Welch 2001, p. 69). Given time, Israel's life was very similar to that of the surrounding nations. Welch urges his readers to guard themselves and their families from capitulation by being open and honest, as well as engaging in behaviors such as regular church attendance and family prayers which may provide stability and accountability in all areas of life (Welch 2001, pp. 69-70). Those who are aware of a descent into addiction are much more likely to ascend out of it. The role of our interests and desires is more important than the role of outside substances.
Welch suggests that as a time of experimentation with the addictive idol continues, the substance or experience takes on the role of a friend (Welch 2001, p. 71). The old friend group may be deserted in preference for a new group centered around the addiction, which gets to call the shots. Welch does concede that this process may be difficult to perceive. It is somewhat like finding the difference between dusk and darkness. Welch specifically describes a progression from one substance to another. As long as the friendship exists, one can make friends with other addictions (Welch 2001, p. 73).
As with intimate romantic relationships, a friendship with an addiction can grow into what Welch would call infatuation (Welch 2001, p. 73). In this context, Welch suggests we can find many idols other than the addiction which are fed by the addictive behavior. He notes feelings of belonging and being loved as examples. Having access to the substance or experience increases use, which can eclipse other factors, including employment, finances, and family (Welch 2001, p. 74). Promises of behavior change may be made, but they are easily broken, often along with blame-shifting excuses (Welch 2001, p. 76). Welch considers the tension caused with family and friends to lead most naturally to enabling behavior. The problem is allowed to continue so as to avoid conflict. Rather than enabling, Welch suggests that family members should make it known that they are seeking help to deal with conflicts (Welch 2001, p. 77).
At this point, Welch is clear that the life of the addict and others has become chaotic. Nobody is free from tension (Welch 2001, p. 78). Blame shifting is the rule. The addiction is seen as the escape hatch from problems caused by everyone else. The idol is now firmly in charge of the addict's life (Welch 2001, p. 79).
Welch sees the final stage in the addiction/idolatry as worship. The idol controls the entirety of the addict's thought and emotional life (Welch 2001, p. 80). The addict may deny dependence, but it eventually becomes clear to others (Welch 2001, p. 81).
Welch closes this chapter with a number of incisive lies of questioning we may consider when confronting addictions in ourselves and others (Welch 2001, pp. 82-83).
10/16/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 4: The Descent into Addiction." (pp. 65-83). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
In this chapter, Welch considers how the biblical model of idolatry can illustrate the descent into addiction (Welch 2001, p. 65). He observes that it is quite likely that people move toward addiction in their attitudes before significant interaction with a substance or situation. This he considers to be due to our propensity toward sin, since we are in a fallen world (Welch 2001, p. 66). Such a descent into bondage is familiar to us all. Because of our understanding of the tendency, he contends we should be eager to help others who are endangered.
The beginning of addiction, in Welch's analysis, may normally be found in our indifference to what God's word says, or our lack of preparedness to deal with the attractive nature of sin (Welch 2001, p. 67). Curiosity, experimentation among friends, or social desires can quickly lead people into substance abuse or other types of bondage (Welch 2001, p. 68). Welch relates this to a biblical category of idolatry, due to similarity with Israel's behavior. The people had numerous cultural warnings against seeking security in the idols of neighboring cultures. However, gradually, they compromised as concerned the idol worship around them (Welch 2001, p. 69). Given time, Israel's life was very similar to that of the surrounding nations. Welch urges his readers to guard themselves and their families from capitulation by being open and honest, as well as engaging in behaviors such as regular church attendance and family prayers which may provide stability and accountability in all areas of life (Welch 2001, pp. 69-70). Those who are aware of a descent into addiction are much more likely to ascend out of it. The role of our interests and desires is more important than the role of outside substances.
Welch suggests that as a time of experimentation with the addictive idol continues, the substance or experience takes on the role of a friend (Welch 2001, p. 71). The old friend group may be deserted in preference for a new group centered around the addiction, which gets to call the shots. Welch does concede that this process may be difficult to perceive. It is somewhat like finding the difference between dusk and darkness. Welch specifically describes a progression from one substance to another. As long as the friendship exists, one can make friends with other addictions (Welch 2001, p. 73).
As with intimate romantic relationships, a friendship with an addiction can grow into what Welch would call infatuation (Welch 2001, p. 73). In this context, Welch suggests we can find many idols other than the addiction which are fed by the addictive behavior. He notes feelings of belonging and being loved as examples. Having access to the substance or experience increases use, which can eclipse other factors, including employment, finances, and family (Welch 2001, p. 74). Promises of behavior change may be made, but they are easily broken, often along with blame-shifting excuses (Welch 2001, p. 76). Welch considers the tension caused with family and friends to lead most naturally to enabling behavior. The problem is allowed to continue so as to avoid conflict. Rather than enabling, Welch suggests that family members should make it known that they are seeking help to deal with conflicts (Welch 2001, p. 77).
At this point, Welch is clear that the life of the addict and others has become chaotic. Nobody is free from tension (Welch 2001, p. 78). Blame shifting is the rule. The addiction is seen as the escape hatch from problems caused by everyone else. The idol is now firmly in charge of the addict's life (Welch 2001, p. 79).
Welch sees the final stage in the addiction/idolatry as worship. The idol controls the entirety of the addict's thought and emotional life (Welch 2001, p. 80). The addict may deny dependence, but it eventually becomes clear to others (Welch 2001, p. 81).
Welch closes this chapter with a number of incisive lies of questioning we may consider when confronting addictions in ourselves and others (Welch 2001, pp. 82-83).
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