THEO 321 - Addiction and Grace

Institution:

Eastern University

Subject:

Theological Studies

Description:

Addiction is widely acknowledged as a serious individual, interpersonal, and social problem. But what is addiction? Is it a brain disease? A sin? A problem of will, or of knowledge? Does addiction have primarily to do with individuals, or is it constituted or maintained in intimate relationships or on a societal level? Do addictions necessarily involve psychoactive substances, or can we properly speak of addictions to activities like gambling or shopping, or even eating or sex? Who is susceptible to addiction, and why? If a person stops engaging in addictive behavior, is he or she still an addict? Christians and others offer a variety of answersto these questions, and a similar diversity of opinion exists where treatment for and recovery from addiction are concerned. In this class, we will explore, first, some Christian theological voices and biblical and historical resources for understanding how Christians have understood addiction in the past and more recently. Secondly, we will read three current books treating aspects of addiction that are often neglected in Christian treatment of addiction. Finally, we will read one or two personal accounts of addiction and recovery, and consider how a Christian response to addiction might incarnate the prophetic values of justice, mercy, and humility.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.eastern.edu

Phone Number:

(610) 341-5800

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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