Steps of Transformation: An Orthodox Priest Explores the Twelve Steps

by Meletios Webber

Overview

Addictions and struggles with the passions are rampant in our culture. Fr. Meletios Webber, an Orthodox priest with a doctorate in counseling, helps us to understand addiction and explores ways to overcome it. He clearly and skillfully explains the Twelve Steps of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. In correlating the Twelve Steps with basic Orthodox theology, Fr. Mel identifies the implication of the Twelve Steps for Orthodox, and for all Christians. Using examples from the life of the Orthodox Church, he shows how the Steps can be a valuable resource for our own spiritual journey. With a foreword by Bishop Kallistos Ware Reviews: "Fr. Meletios Webber's Steps of Transformation presents the vision and practice of Twelve-Step programs for dealing with addictions, particularly alcoholism. He relates the Steps to Orthodox Christian spirituality with clarity, conviction, and appealing personal engagement. Here is a book which addicts and their friends are sure to treasure. It is true, deep, pure, rich, and highly rewarding.: -Fr. Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus, St. Vladimir's Seminary; speaker, author "At those moments when I have fallen to lowest of depths, then my cry has most convincingly attracted the grace of God. This book is about the spirituality of imperfection. Steps of Transformation is written with clarity and simplicity by a man who recognizes that 'God hears the voice of our prayer, only out of the depths of our cry.' " -Fr. John Chryssavgis, Professor of Theology, Holy Cross; author and speaker "Steps of Transformation was very simple, easy to read, and right on target about both the problem of, and the solution to, the disease of alcoholism. I suggest that anyone can benefit from reading this book, and I encourage all Orthodox Christians to take a look at it." -Floyd Frantz, CAC, St. Dimitrie Addictions Treatment Program, Romania

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781888212631
Publisher:	Ancient Faith Publishing
Publication date:	03/01/2003
Pages:	210
Sales rank:	964,820
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Fr. Meletios Webber is an Orthodox priest, and (since this book was written) is now abbot of Saint John Monastery in Manton, California. He graduated with a degree in theology from the University of Oxford. Fr. Mel also has a doctorate in counseling and many years of experience as a therapist, particularly in the areas of spirituality and addiction.

Table of Contents

	Foreword	7
	Introduction	11
Part 1	The Problem of Addiction and an Overview of the Twelve Steps
Chapter 1	Introduction to the Twelve Steps	17
Chapter 2	The Drinking Alcoholic--Icon of Broken Humanity	33
Chapter 3	Life in AA, Life in Recovery	51
Chapter 4	Anonymity, Addictions, Denial, and Control	69
Chapter 5	Spirituality and Religion	81
Chapter 6	The Twelve Steps and the Life of the Church	89
Part 2	The Twelve Steps
Chapter 7	Out of the Depths	103
Chapter 8	Lord, I Believe; Help My Unbelief	117
Chapter 9	Surrendering to God	125
Chapter 10	The Doors of Repentance	133
Chapter 11	Ready To Change	145
Chapter 12	Making Amends	157
Chapter 13	Keeping Clean	165
Chapter 14	Getting To Know God	171
Chapter 15	Spreading the Good News	181
Chapter 16	Slogans and Sayings	191
Chapter 17	After the Steps?	199
Appendix A	The Twelve Steps for General Use	205
Appendix B	The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous	206