The following notes are from a talk by Dr. Mark Shaw of The Addiction Connection presented during the TAC Midwest Training Conference at Redeemer Church in Winterset, IA, April 3-5, 2025. Dr. Mark Shaw emphasized the importance of addressing addiction through a biblical lens, focusing on grace and truth. He criticized the medicalization of addiction, citing research showing ineffectiveness of SSRIs and issues with drugs like Prozac. He contrasted secular and biblical terms for addiction-related behaviors, advocating for biblical language to accurately describe sin. The speaker highlighted the need for the church to support addiction recovery, using examples like Noah's sin and his sons' responses to illustrate grace and accountability. He also announced a three-night intensive outreach program to provide immediate help to those struggling with addiction. ## Outline ### Introduction and Purpose of the Workshop - Mark Shaw begins by expressing gratitude to the leadership and members of the church, including CJ, Ben Pastor, Jason, and the elders and deacons. - The workshop is titled "What the Bible Says About Addiction" and emphasizes the key word "grace." - Mark discusses the importance of standing for truth and the challenges of doing so in a world that often brands truth-tellers as haters. - The workshop aims to help those in addiction ministry by providing biblical counseling and praying for the Holy Spirit to enliven the hearts of those struggling with addiction. ### Importance of Words and Language - Mark Shaw uses the analogy of signs to explain the importance of words in guiding people in the right direction. - Emphasizes the need to use biblical language more frequently and to think and speak biblically. - Highlights the importance of pointing people to Jesus through words and not relying on medical solutions for spiritual issues. ### Biblical vs. Secular Language ![[worldly-words-vs-biblical-words.png]] - Mark Shaw contrasts worldly words (left column) with biblical terms (right column) for various behaviors and conditions. - Examples include using "adultery" instead of "affair," "thief" instead of "kleptomaniac," and "drunkard" instead of "alcoholic." - Discusses the importance of using biblical terms to accurately describe and address sin and to avoid medicalizing spiritual issues. - Emphasizes the need for repentance and asking for forgiveness rather than just saying "I'm sorry." ### Challenges of Modern Mental Health Systems - Mark discusses the dangers of labeling behavioral issues as lifelong, incurable diseases and the role of pharmaceutical companies in promoting these labels. - Highlights the negative side effects of certain medications and the experimental nature of deep brain stimulation surgeries. - Calls for a focus on the hope of the Gospel and the heart of addiction rather than relying on medical solutions. ### The Role of the Church in Addressing Addiction - Mark criticizes the church for often giving up on addressing addiction by using medical terms and sending people to medical professionals to address spiritual issues. - Emphasizes the need for the church to get involved and address the heart of addiction by using biblical language and principles. - Discusses the importance of the church being a supportive community and not just a place for self-help meetings. - Calls for the church to help people understand that addiction is a heart desire problem, not a disease. ### Biblical Principles of Change - Mark outlines the biblical process of change, starting with truth and moving to putting off old desires and putting on righteousness and truth. - Emphasizes the importance of starting with truth and seeking God's help to renew the mind and change beliefs. - Discusses the need for the Holy Spirit to help in this process and the importance of putting on righteousness and truth. - Highlights the role of the church in supporting and guiding people through this process. ### The Example of Noah - Mark Shaw uses the story of Noah to illustrate the concept of grace and the response to sin. - Describes Noah's sin of getting drunk and uncovered in his tent and the response of his sons, Ham, Shem, and Japheth. - Highlights the importance of covering sin and showing grace, as demonstrated by Shem and Japheth. - Discusses the consequences of spreading sin, as shown by Ham's actions and the curse placed on Canaan. ### Conclusion and Call to Action - Mark Shaw emphasizes the importance of being grace givers and showing love and forgiveness to those who sin. - Calls for the church to be a supportive community that helps people understand and address the heart of addiction. - Encourages the use of biblical language and principles in addressing addiction and supporting those in recovery. - Concludes with a prayer for the conference participants, asking for God's guidance and support in their ministry efforts.