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Alcohol, Addiction and Christian Ethics: 27 (New Studies in Christian Ethics, Series Number 27)

Alcohol, Addiction and Christian Ethics: 27 (New Studies in Christian Ethics, Series Number 27)

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Christopher C. H. Cook
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 5/4/2006
EAN 9780521851824, ISBN10: 0521851823

Hardcover, 236 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm
Language: English

Addictive disorders are characterised by a division of the will, in which the addict is attracted both by a desire to continue the addictive behaviour and also by a desire to stop it. Academic perspectives on this predicament usually come from clinical and scientific standpoints, with the 'moral model' rejected as outmoded. But Christian theology has a long history of thinking and writing on such problems and offers insights which are helpful to scientific and ethical reflection upon the nature of addiction. Chris Cook reviews Christian theological and ethical reflection upon the problems of alcohol use and misuse, from biblical times until the present day. Drawing particularly upon the writings of St Paul the Apostle and Augustine of Hippo, a critical theological model of addiction is developed. Alcohol dependence is also viewed in the broader ethical perspective of the use and misuse of alcohol within communities.

Preface
1. Alcohol, addiction and Christian ethics
introduction
2. An addiction in context
the use, misuse and harmful use of alcohol
3. Drunkenness as vice in the New Testament
4. Drunkenness as intemperance
Augustine, Aquinas, Luther and Whitefield
5. Temperance redefined
the nineteenth century temperance movement
6. Addiction as sin and syndrome
the divided self
7. Alcohol, addiction and Christian ethics
8. Conclusions.

Review of the hardback: 'With moral theologian, doctor, and then policy maker in mind, this book goes a good distance in making plausible how addiction can be better understood when the natural social sciences' are brought together with theology.' Studies in Christian Ethics