Thursday Notes
10/9/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 3: New Ways of Seeing." (pp. 45-63). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
Welch considers addiction research to have been too limited in scope. While most disciplines are analyzed through a variety of perspectives, addictions tend to be evaluated according to only one (Welch 2001, p. 45). While the metaphor of disease is useful, it limits the range of plausible perspectives. In Welch's opinion, those limitations are generally understood in terms of neglecting the universal sense of bondage the Bible describes as a fall into sin, as well as the possibility that at least some of that bondage is brought upon us willingly (Welch 2001, p. 46). The fact that addictions cannot be cured apart from some sort of change in choices sets them apart from other diseases. Welch questions whether there are biblical metaphors for addiction other than that of disease.
One metaphor which can be used for addiction is that of idolatry. "From this perspective the true nature of all addictions is that we have chosen to go outside the boundaries of the kingdom of God . . . saying that we desire something in creation more than we desire the Creator" (Welch 2001, p. 47). Though this language is unfamiliar to current Western culture, it is a very common motif in the world of the Bible. The concept of idolatry extends to anything we are attached to by our thoughts and desires. At root, it describes what we worship rather than God (Welch 2001, p. 49). It is not limited to our behaviors, but has roots in our desires. In the beginning of our idolatry we desire to use something for our own purposes. However, the idols quickly begin controlling us (Welch 2001, p. 50).
Of significance to Welch's consideration of idolatry is that "some idols hook our bodily passions and desires" (Welch 2001, p. 51). These forces are harder to resist. Welch speaks of this issue briefly in the terms which would be discussed in traditional Christian theology as disordered affections. We allow desires to rule rather than having Christ rule.
A second alternative biblical perspective on addictions is that of adultery (Welch 2001, p. 56). Here, again, there is a desire which is out of order. Eventually one is controlled by the situation. The descriptions in Proverbs 7 and in Judges 13-16 easily generalize from sexual desire to other desires which can be out of balance (Welch 2001, p. 57).
A third alternate picture of addiction Welch explores is that of foolishness. Here, the fool decides to engage in actions which are pleasurable in the beginning but which become painful (Welch 2001, p. 59). At the root of the concept is sinful attitudes resulting in destructive behaviors. The fool is ultimately considered primarily in terms of sinful disordered affections.
Two final biblical metaphors Welch discusses in brief are those of being attacked by a wild beast (Welch 2001, p. 60) and disease (Welch 2001, p. 61). In both of these metaphors the person is attacked in some way by the negative force. These attacks are painful and lead to tragedy.
Welch closes the chapter, as he does each, with some summary statements and questions for further consideration.
10/9/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 3: New Ways of Seeing." (pp. 45-63). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
Welch considers addiction research to have been too limited in scope. While most disciplines are analyzed through a variety of perspectives, addictions tend to be evaluated according to only one (Welch 2001, p. 45). While the metaphor of disease is useful, it limits the range of plausible perspectives. In Welch's opinion, those limitations are generally understood in terms of neglecting the universal sense of bondage the Bible describes as a fall into sin, as well as the possibility that at least some of that bondage is brought upon us willingly (Welch 2001, p. 46). The fact that addictions cannot be cured apart from some sort of change in choices sets them apart from other diseases. Welch questions whether there are biblical metaphors for addiction other than that of disease.
One metaphor which can be used for addiction is that of idolatry. "From this perspective the true nature of all addictions is that we have chosen to go outside the boundaries of the kingdom of God . . . saying that we desire something in creation more than we desire the Creator" (Welch 2001, p. 47). Though this language is unfamiliar to current Western culture, it is a very common motif in the world of the Bible. The concept of idolatry extends to anything we are attached to by our thoughts and desires. At root, it describes what we worship rather than God (Welch 2001, p. 49). It is not limited to our behaviors, but has roots in our desires. In the beginning of our idolatry we desire to use something for our own purposes. However, the idols quickly begin controlling us (Welch 2001, p. 50).
Of significance to Welch's consideration of idolatry is that "some idols hook our bodily passions and desires" (Welch 2001, p. 51). These forces are harder to resist. Welch speaks of this issue briefly in the terms which would be discussed in traditional Christian theology as disordered affections. We allow desires to rule rather than having Christ rule.
A second alternative biblical perspective on addictions is that of adultery (Welch 2001, p. 56). Here, again, there is a desire which is out of order. Eventually one is controlled by the situation. The descriptions in Proverbs 7 and in Judges 13-16 easily generalize from sexual desire to other desires which can be out of balance (Welch 2001, p. 57).
A third alternate picture of addiction Welch explores is that of foolishness. Here, the fool decides to engage in actions which are pleasurable in the beginning but which become painful (Welch 2001, p. 59). At the root of the concept is sinful attitudes resulting in destructive behaviors. The fool is ultimately considered primarily in terms of sinful disordered affections.
Two final biblical metaphors Welch discusses in brief are those of being attacked by a wild beast (Welch 2001, p. 60) and disease (Welch 2001, p. 61). In both of these metaphors the person is attacked in some way by the negative force. These attacks are painful and lead to tragedy.
Welch closes the chapter, as he does each, with some summary statements and questions for further consideration.
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