Every one of us is a potential addict. In a pressure-filled world, the prospect of instant escape can be exhilarating. No matter the object-drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, or sex, just to name a few-addictions lure us. They extend the promise of pleasure. In the end, they deliver emptiness, death, and destruction. What began as an escape from the hassles of life becomes a form of bondage. Addiction is a voluntary slavery. Change doesn't come easily. But change is possible!
Crossroads was designed as a group study for those struggling with addiction. These ten steps, presented in author Ed Welch's trademark direct, no-nonsense style, provide a biblical framework for change. Welch is a wise and loving partner who walks beside readers on their journey to freedom. Along the way, they will learn to recognize the patterns of addiction, to choose wisdom over foolish desires, and to cling to the hope they have in Jesus, who sets captives free. The path away from addiction has been laid by a God who is full of surprises, who faithfully pursues those enslaved even though they have deliberately avoided him.
"At the heart, addiction is a spiritual problem. It demands a spiritual solution. No stranger to this topic, Ed Welch gently confronts struggling addicts with God's truth, both about their self-deception and the surprising grace of Jesus, who makes all things new. This study is truly centered on the person of Christ."
Tim Clinton, EdD, President, American Association of Christian Counselors
"Dr. Edward Welch has pioneered the movement in biblical counseling from behavior modification into a heart centered on worshiping the one and true living God. Dr. Welch accomplishes this shift by revealing the glory of God in his redemptive work and taking it out of the hands of self-sufficiency. With Crossroads, Dr. Welch has found a way to morph the addict's story into the Story of God by not letting the addict identify himself with his current sin of addiction, and by calling the addict to repentance and dependence on Christ."
James Noriega, Shepherding Pastor Specializing in Addiction, Mars Hill Church, Seattle, WA
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I have used this book extensively in a local rehab center with an average of 20 men each time for the past year. This is an excellent resource, so good in fact that I have translated it into Spanish (with permission) for our use here. It is well understandable and relatable to the men and I have received good feedback from them. The discussion and homework questions are very good. Its focus on addictions as worship and idolatry is excellent. There are three weaknesses that I have found, however. First of all, it is a little more verbose than I like (too wordy), but this is more personal preference. Secondly, it does not emphasize strongly enough the place of the local church. If this group was done AT or BY the local church, that would practically compensate for this lack. But as I led this study in a rehab house, I found myself adding to the book along the way, though it is there at points. Finally, I found it quite soft on the wrath of God. There is something to be said that the wrath of God is most particularly directed against covenant breakers, while most of the men I studied with come from an unchurched background. But at the same time, the book softens the wrath of God throughout. To give one example, in Step 2, Welch only cited half of Exodus 34:6-8, chopping off the part of God not clearing the guilty. Now I am sure he had his own reasons for that, but I found this lacking throughout. The Bible has some very strong words to say to idolaters. And I have found that speaking on this subject is one of the best times to preach the goodness of the Gospel call to repent and believe in the good news of Jesus Christ. Yes, it is there in the book, but I found it lacking the full Biblical witness in this respect. All in all, however, I highly recommend this product and the accompanying leader's guide.