Reevaluating The 12 Steps: A Faith-Based Critique by Dr. Mark E Shaw
To delete Jesus from a program that is spiritual is wrong, and we want to point people to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ever wondered if The 12 Steps align with biblical teachings? In this episode of The Addiction Connection Podcast, Dr. Mark E Shaw wraps up his series on critiquing The 12 Steps from a faith-based perspective. Over the past two weeks, different speakers tackled each step, and now Dr. Shaw ties it all together with his unique insights.
He kicks things off by examining the origins of The 12 Steps, pointing out that they didn’t come directly from the Scriptures but from groups like the Oxford Group, which faced criticism for its views. Dr. Shaw argues that The 12 Steps might steer people away from Christ, missing the spiritual cornerstone of Jesus. 'To delete Jesus from a program that is spiritual is wrong, and we want to point people to the Lord Jesus Christ', he asserts.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Shaw emphasizes the need to scrutinize Scripture to spot any counterfeits and lies, encouraging listeners to think biblically about recovery. He also touches on the differences between sins of commission and omission, suggesting that the biggest issue with The 12 Steps is what they leave out. This episode offers a compelling and genuine look at self-help groups through the lens of faith. Whether you're on your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, Dr.
Shaw's biblical critique provides food for thought and a fresh perspective on overcoming addiction.