The majority of people have come around to the idea of addiction as a disease, or at the very least something that is not entirely a choice. There are genetic factors, environmental factors, mental health issues, childhood traumas – all kinds of things can combine to make an addict. For some, however, addiction is a moral issue. Certain religious groups believe that there is a decision to continue with what they call the condition of addiction. The word condition is an interesting one, as it calls to mind something that is not quite a disease but not quite voluntary. For example, one might have a skin condition that didn’t exactly ask for but contributed to by poor diet or hygiene. Then they can choose, or not, to properly treat it and make it go away. It’s very much a case of “just deal with it,” as though it’s as simple as merely choosing to change.
First of all, what is sin? Even non-Christians have likely heard the story of Adam and Eve. Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and when they rebelled against God, this was considered the original sin. This sin, according to believers, has been passed down to us ever since. We are sinners by nature and must work all our lives to overcome it. In the Bible’s original translation, the words for sin mean “to miss a mark,” which has been interpreted as anything that falls short of God’s standards, as laid out in the Bible.
Though the word addiction is never mentioned in the Bible, some Christians point to Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” This means, in simple terms, don’t do things that don’t line up with the word of Christ. Alcohol is mentioned a fair bit, as those who are “given to much wine” (Titus 1:7; 2:3), “drunkards” (1 Timothy 3:3) or “heavy drinkers” (1 Timothy 3:8) are disqualified from teaching or holding a position of authority in the church.
There are also those who look at the definition of addiction, which involves in part pathologically pursuing a reward, and see an obsession where there should only be room for the Lord. Christians are commanded to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might,” which is, according to Jesus, the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). So, by having this addiction – something that consumes your time and thoughts and is the sole focus of your pleasure, they say you are breaking this commandment to put nothing else first.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504.
