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Originally Posted by Dee74  I don't often get the chance to post here, and I'm certainly not trying to cause a brouhaha - I'm genuinely interested.
I've seen references here that seem to suggest alcoholism as a sin, and something that could be repented at communion - why would someone repent their alcoholism?
Repent their drunken actions sure, repent the harm done to ourselves and others through our alcoholism - fine, but alcoholism itself ?
Do some churches -some christians - still see alcoholism as a moral weakness ? Or have I totally misread here?
D |
The bible talks about two kinds of sin; willful and the inherent sin, which is the human nature we all have. Both have the same penalty- and both are covered by God's grace when we by our own will seek and ask for it.
I don't see anything wrong with asking God to remove the power that alcoholism has over a person, that is what recovery is about. To repent about having a struggle? I don't think so.
As far as blaming somebody who is sick...for being sick, I've been on the receiving end of that lots of times. That's why I attend Alanon! There are those that _I_ refer to as sick... who place ungodly judgements on those who did not choose to suffer. Religion can become an addiction too. It feels good to be 'right' and to 'help' others and that can become a very ungodly thing jmho I've been there and as they say..have the hat and tee shirt.
I've had people tell me that the reason my kids have diabetes is because their dad and I don't have enough faith! That is where I do what my old friend Rich said to "give them the left foot of fellowship" lol. I stay clear of them if they continue with the blaming and accusing. It's not godly to accuse or blame fellow Christians and God isn't pleased with those who do: "The accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accused them day and night before our God, has been thrown down." Rev. 12:10. My enemy would accuse me when my Lord offers me love and forgiveness.
I love this verse: Jesus answered, "It was not this man's sin or his parent's sin that made him be blind. This man was born blind so that God's power could be shown in him." John 9:3 (And then Jesus spat in the mud, smeared it over his eyes. When the mud was washed over the blind man was healed.) Note that all the people were interested in was finding whose fault it was....nobody but Jesus cared about the poor blind guy's problems.
I've observed many within and out of my faith who still view alcoholism...and things like depression, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, bipolar etc...as things that can be cured by faith alone, or even by willpower. I do believe in divine healing, but it doesn't happen at my bidding. It's really very sad that those in pain are not always accepted, but I guess that's another story. From my experience...when people see such intense pain or problems it makes them feel uncomfortable or actually scared out of their wits that this could happen to them or somebody they love. That's when the rationalizing begins and the blaming starts. It's all self centered and fear based.
My husband is handicapped and when he used to use a wheelchair most people on the street were kind but many were patronizing at best and cruel at worst. Christians are people too and it's no excuse but it is the reason why some of them act the way they (I/we) do. I've dealt with many of my own resentments towards many Christians and non Christians who have played the blame game.
The whole idea of one drunk helping another...specifically the idea that it is only one drunk that can lead another is biblical. I don't have time to look up the specific scriptures that all contain the words 'one another' but these verses instruct us to comfort, rebuke, serve, forgive, speak the truth to, honor etc...I find it amazing how all those things are what works to share recovery from this disease.
I know that when I go to Alanon and share I will be respected and not judged. I will also hear the truth and learn to do better the next time...but nobody is going to blame me for trying my very best and still having the tendency to enable, fix or do for others what they need to do for themselves. I settled that a long time ago. I am not to blame for anyone's addiction or alcoholism, and I learned that in Alanon...not in church.
So, Dee to answer your question, some people within the churches probably do see it as a sin or moral issue and I'm sure that some of the leaders do too. Almost all of the churches I have attended do not see it that way and a whole lot of people there are in some form of recovery and doing great.
Repent of their alcoholism? I've heard many fine Christians say thanks to God for it.