 On
the Shelves
On the Shelves features book
recommendations from a variety of Princeton Seminary
faculty and staff, with the hope that these suggestions
will help alumni/ae choose books that contribute to their
personal and professional growth.
From Abigail Rian Evans, associate professor of
practical theology and academic coordinator of field
education
Victims
and Sinners: Spiritual Roots of Addiction and Recovery,
by Linda A. Mercadante (’86D): Louisville, KY:
Westminster John Knox Press, 1996. In the last several
decades, the use of the word sin in relation to addiction
is almost forbidden in theological circles. Since the
medical model for addiction has been widely embraced and
the Twelve-step approach of Alcoholics Anonymous so
uniformly successful, the church by and large has been
relegated to a supportive or judgmental role. Mercadante
puts the topic of addiction (most specifically
alcoholism) back onto the theological agenda by arguing
that addictive behavior is more accurately and helpfully
described as sin. (However, a less moralistic and
judgmental definition of sin than is typical is offered,
and the stereotypes of both concepts are eschewed.)
What she is advocating is averting a medicalization of
all human behavior and avoiding the false dichotomy of an
analysis of the human predicament as either a failure of
will or a responsibility-free disease model. Mercadante
puts forth a full-bodied definition of sin that does
justice to the reality of the human predicament and
avoids the conceptual confusions that she argues are a
result of the current addiction model. It is only as we
understand our problems as rooted in sin that we can
experience complete restoration through God’s grace
and the church can take its rightful place in helping
those in the throes of addiction. What is less clear,
however, is if the substitution of terms would in fact
change the treatment of addiction. In summary, this is a
landmark book for anyone in the addiction field,
especially those with a theological bent.
Spiritual Aspects of Health Care, by David
Stoter. London, England: Mosby Press, 1995. This book,
written by an experienced hospital chaplain in England,
provides timely guidance for health care professionals
concerning spiritual needs and care at a time when
spirituality is entering the mainstream of medical
practice and education. This is not a closely argued,
academic text (there are some footnote errors), but still
it is charting new territory. The author demonstrates
sensitivity toward religious and moral plurality, which
is essential in working with diverse patient populations.
The concept of spirituality is distinguished from that of
religion. Several definitions of spirituality are
combined. Stoter describes it as a unifying force that
integrates and transcends the physical, emotional, and
social dimensions of human experience. The needs of
caregivers are also included in his paradigm for
spiritual care. Their belief systems are acknowledged
while Stoter cautions against imposing those belief
systems on others.
This is a very practical book that is best used in a
continuing education setting for health care
professionals who are just beginning to reflect on the
need for spiritual care. It is probably not for those
experienced in this field. The writing is clear and
accessible, and the book lends itself to group use as
well as to individual reflection. Each section is
accompanied by “exercises” that an individual
or a group can do.
© Copyright 1998 Princeton
Theological Seminary
The URL for this page is http://www.ptsem.edu/read/inspire/3.4/onshelves.htm
webmaster@ptsem.edu
| last updated 02/08/99
|
This Issue
Features
Student Life
On
the Shelves
outStanding in the Field
Class Notes
End Things
Coming in the
Next Issue...
Staff
Back
Issues
Summer 1997
Fall 1997
Winter/Spring 1998
Summer 1998
|
