Emphasis Preaching Journal

Scratch an addiction, and you will reveal an idol, hiding underneath. The psychologist, Gerald May, has written extensively on addictive behaviors from the standpoint of religious faith. He challenges the purely medical model of addiction, that sees it as a physical disorder to be treated, quite apart from any spiritual issues. "Addiction," May writes, "is the most powerful psychic enemy of humanity's desire for God." For many of us, it's the principle distraction on the way to a life of true spiritual freedom.