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12 Steps to Destruction: Codependecy/Recovery Heresies
12 Steps to Recovery is for those who are suffering from the trials of life and for those who want to help. It is for those who are thinking about joining a recovery group or entering a treatment center for codependency or addiction. It is for those who have tried Twelve-Step programs and recovery treatment centers and found them lacking. It is also for those who are currently in such programs. And, finally, it is to encourage Christians who offer such programs to return to the faith once delivered to the saints. READABLE, THOUGHT-PROVOKING, CONTROVERSIAL, AND CHALLENGING.
260 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 19, 2024
THE BOBGANS TAKE ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE "RECOVERY" MOVEMENT
Married couple Martin and Deidre Bobgan run "Psychoheresy Awareness Ministries"; Martin has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, and Deidre has an M.A. in English. They have written many other books, such as ‘Psychoheresy,’ 'How to Counsel from Scripture,' 'Prophets of Psychoheresy I,' 'Prophets of PsychoHeresy II: Critiquing Dr. James C. Dobson,' 'CRI Guilty of Psychoheresy?,' 'Hypnosis and the Christian,' 'Four Temperaments,' ‘Astrology & Personality Testing,' etc.
They wrote in the first chapter of this 1991 book, "In this book we will look at relationships in dire need of repair, at habitual attitudes and behaviors that characterize those who are now calling themselves 'codependent,' and at the remedies and religious ideas offered through Twelve-Step recovery programs, therapy, and self-help books. And we will contrast them with what the Bible says.
"The purpose of this book is to point out that the dangers of popular codependency and addiction recovery programs in order to encourage both Christians and nonChristians to turn to the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in the midst of problems." (Pg. 6) They add, "This book is written for those who are suffering from the trials of life and for those who want to help. This book is for all who are thinking about joining a recovery group or entering a treatment center for addiction or codependency. It is for those who have tried Twelve-Step programs and recovery treatment centers and found them lacking." (Pg. 13)
They note, "The list of books on codependency/recovery swells along with those dealing with addictions. They are popular best-sellers in Christian bookstores as well as in general bookstores... Something is wrong. People are looking for answers... But are those remedies the kind that Jesus offers? Are the so-called cures consistent with the Word of God?" (Pg. 4) They suggest, "Most systems of codependency and addiction recovery are based upon various psychological counseling theories and therapies and upon the religious and philosophical teachings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). In short, such programs are based upon the wisdom of man and the worship of false gods... the Bible is placed in a subservient role to support popular psychological theories, therapies, and techniques." (Pg. 5)
They observe, "the great majority of drunks were men. Therefore the behaviors ascribed to codependency are quite often traditionally feminine... And the focus of the movement is definitely feminine, even though men are joining the ranks of codependency through ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics). While everyone in the movement denies blaming anyone, a heavy load of blame is squarely laid on the shoulders of women, who are the prime participants in codependency/recovery, and their mothers. Women are not only blamed for their own inadequate attempts to make relationships work; they are also blamed for their husbands' addictions." (Pg. 19)
They argue, "The Bible does not present self-esteem, self-worth, self-love, self-confidence, or self-fulfillment as needs that must be met to create capable, loving, well-adjusted people. Instead, the direction of Scripture is away from self and toward God and others. Self is not to be enhanced or catered to. Self-esteem is not even mentioned." (Pg. 55) They add, "Jesus does NOT command people to love themselves... Love of self is a fact, not a command. In fact, Jesus would not command people to love others as themselves if they do not already love themselves... Scriptures teaches that people DO love themselves. Paul says, 'For no man ever yet hated his own flesh...' (Eph 5:29) (Pg. 57) They note, "There is no record of Jesus encouraging self-esteem or self-love." (Pg. 61)
They point out about Bill Wilson, founder of AA, "The Wilsons were conducting regular séances in their own home as early as 1941. They were engaging in other psychic activities as well, such as using a Ouija board. Also, as Wilson would lie on a couch he would 'receive' messages ... and another person would write them down." (Pg. 109) They conclude, "these are religions of recovery with prayer, meditation, and proselytization. These religions are NOT Christianity. Nor do they truly mix with Christianity any more than Jesus would be willing to be one of many gods." (Pg. 217)
The Bobgans' books will be interesting reading for any Christians concerned about overuse/misuse of psychology, or who are critical of aspects of the various recovery movements.
Married couple Martin and Deidre Bobgan run "Psychoheresy Awareness Ministries"; Martin has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, and Deidre has an M.A. in English. They have written many other books, such as ‘Psychoheresy,’ 'How to Counsel from Scripture,' 'Prophets of Psychoheresy I,' 'Prophets of PsychoHeresy II: Critiquing Dr. James C. Dobson,' 'CRI Guilty of Psychoheresy?,' 'Hypnosis and the Christian,' 'Four Temperaments,' ‘Astrology & Personality Testing,' etc.
They wrote in the first chapter of this 1991 book, "In this book we will look at relationships in dire need of repair, at habitual attitudes and behaviors that characterize those who are now calling themselves 'codependent,' and at the remedies and religious ideas offered through Twelve-Step recovery programs, therapy, and self-help books. And we will contrast them with what the Bible says.
"The purpose of this book is to point out that the dangers of popular codependency and addiction recovery programs in order to encourage both Christians and nonChristians to turn to the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in the midst of problems." (Pg. 6) They add, "This book is written for those who are suffering from the trials of life and for those who want to help. This book is for all who are thinking about joining a recovery group or entering a treatment center for addiction or codependency. It is for those who have tried Twelve-Step programs and recovery treatment centers and found them lacking." (Pg. 13)
They note, "The list of books on codependency/recovery swells along with those dealing with addictions. They are popular best-sellers in Christian bookstores as well as in general bookstores... Something is wrong. People are looking for answers... But are those remedies the kind that Jesus offers? Are the so-called cures consistent with the Word of God?" (Pg. 4) They suggest, "Most systems of codependency and addiction recovery are based upon various psychological counseling theories and therapies and upon the religious and philosophical teachings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). In short, such programs are based upon the wisdom of man and the worship of false gods... the Bible is placed in a subservient role to support popular psychological theories, therapies, and techniques." (Pg. 5)
They observe, "the great majority of drunks were men. Therefore the behaviors ascribed to codependency are quite often traditionally feminine... And the focus of the movement is definitely feminine, even though men are joining the ranks of codependency through ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics). While everyone in the movement denies blaming anyone, a heavy load of blame is squarely laid on the shoulders of women, who are the prime participants in codependency/recovery, and their mothers. Women are not only blamed for their own inadequate attempts to make relationships work; they are also blamed for their husbands' addictions." (Pg. 19)
They argue, "The Bible does not present self-esteem, self-worth, self-love, self-confidence, or self-fulfillment as needs that must be met to create capable, loving, well-adjusted people. Instead, the direction of Scripture is away from self and toward God and others. Self is not to be enhanced or catered to. Self-esteem is not even mentioned." (Pg. 55) They add, "Jesus does NOT command people to love themselves... Love of self is a fact, not a command. In fact, Jesus would not command people to love others as themselves if they do not already love themselves... Scriptures teaches that people DO love themselves. Paul says, 'For no man ever yet hated his own flesh...' (Eph 5:29) (Pg. 57) They note, "There is no record of Jesus encouraging self-esteem or self-love." (Pg. 61)
They point out about Bill Wilson, founder of AA, "The Wilsons were conducting regular séances in their own home as early as 1941. They were engaging in other psychic activities as well, such as using a Ouija board. Also, as Wilson would lie on a couch he would 'receive' messages ... and another person would write them down." (Pg. 109) They conclude, "these are religions of recovery with prayer, meditation, and proselytization. These religions are NOT Christianity. Nor do they truly mix with Christianity any more than Jesus would be willing to be one of many gods." (Pg. 217)
The Bobgans' books will be interesting reading for any Christians concerned about overuse/misuse of psychology, or who are critical of aspects of the various recovery movements.
August 18, 2022
A critical review of 12 Step programs - and psychology in general - that traces the history of their occult spirituality from the inception of Alcoholics Anonymous to all of today's various offshoots.
The first of many of the Bobgans' books I have lined up to read.
The first of many of the Bobgans' books I have lined up to read.
July 5, 2024
Skepticism is a healthy tool, but this book doesn't use it. It's pure closed-mindedness. The authors attack everything under the sun by citing highly skewed interpretations of other authors that are far from what these people have actually argued. This was just drivel.
July 4, 2009
really good book on the 12 step groups.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews