Thursday Notes
9/25/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 1: Practical Theology." (pp. 3-15). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
Welch opens this chapter with an anecdote of a friend whose interaction reminded him that a correct biblical view of problems is at the root of healing (Welch 2001, p. 3). In particular, a view that desires are outside our control, that we are identified by our sins, and that we can expect to be made godly and "fixed" instantly will lead to discouragement and despair (Welch 2001, p. 4).
Welch's conclusion, based on this encounter, is that it is necessary to apply theology to our actual circumstances (Welch 2001, p. 5). This is difficult for many people, especially in our secularized, therapeutic culture. Yet Welch contends that correct application of biblical viewpoints to current situations is mandatory (Welch 2001, p. 6).
In many instances, Welch would say we willfully neglect application of theology to our lives (Welch 2001, p. 7). For example, if Jesus is lord of all, we are called to sacrifice all our other desires if he so commands. The other desires may be difficult to keep at bay. Welch concedes that we have often spent years nurturing those desires and trying to deny the theological claims on our life (Welch 2001, p. 8). He sees a practical difference between confessing the truth and actually believing it.
Welch urges involvement with other people as we deal with addictive tendencies (Welch 2001, p. 9). The people around us are often willing to confront us in areas about which we may be blind or attempting to hide. These areas which require confrontation may not be the addictive behavior per se, but often are underlying beliefs and attitudes. In Welch's opinion, the life rooted in Jesus is the goal of every Christian (Welch 2001, p. 10). In this life, our addictions often prove to be a side-effect of past sinful beliefs and attitudes. The underlying issues are the root.
Welch attempts the mammoth task of describing addictions and what they feel like. In his view, addictions make people feel trapped, powerless, and victimized (Welch 2001, p. 12). In almost all cases, addictions are related to substances or activities which provide a quick physical sensation (Welch 2001, p. 13). At the root of all, Welch finds a fundamental desire for something which can be used in a manner that is outside of the balanced life and behavior the Bible would endorse.
Welch closes this and each chapter with questions for thought, study, prayer, and application. I recommend the reader of the book write out answers to the questions provided (Welch 2001, pp. 14-15).
9/25/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 1: Practical Theology." (pp. 3-15). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
Welch opens this chapter with an anecdote of a friend whose interaction reminded him that a correct biblical view of problems is at the root of healing (Welch 2001, p. 3). In particular, a view that desires are outside our control, that we are identified by our sins, and that we can expect to be made godly and "fixed" instantly will lead to discouragement and despair (Welch 2001, p. 4).
Welch's conclusion, based on this encounter, is that it is necessary to apply theology to our actual circumstances (Welch 2001, p. 5). This is difficult for many people, especially in our secularized, therapeutic culture. Yet Welch contends that correct application of biblical viewpoints to current situations is mandatory (Welch 2001, p. 6).
In many instances, Welch would say we willfully neglect application of theology to our lives (Welch 2001, p. 7). For example, if Jesus is lord of all, we are called to sacrifice all our other desires if he so commands. The other desires may be difficult to keep at bay. Welch concedes that we have often spent years nurturing those desires and trying to deny the theological claims on our life (Welch 2001, p. 8). He sees a practical difference between confessing the truth and actually believing it.
Welch urges involvement with other people as we deal with addictive tendencies (Welch 2001, p. 9). The people around us are often willing to confront us in areas about which we may be blind or attempting to hide. These areas which require confrontation may not be the addictive behavior per se, but often are underlying beliefs and attitudes. In Welch's opinion, the life rooted in Jesus is the goal of every Christian (Welch 2001, p. 10). In this life, our addictions often prove to be a side-effect of past sinful beliefs and attitudes. The underlying issues are the root.
Welch attempts the mammoth task of describing addictions and what they feel like. In his view, addictions make people feel trapped, powerless, and victimized (Welch 2001, p. 12). In almost all cases, addictions are related to substances or activities which provide a quick physical sensation (Welch 2001, p. 13). At the root of all, Welch finds a fundamental desire for something which can be used in a manner that is outside of the balanced life and behavior the Bible would endorse.
Welch closes this and each chapter with questions for thought, study, prayer, and application. I recommend the reader of the book write out answers to the questions provided (Welch 2001, pp. 14-15).
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