Book Review – A Banquet in the Grave by Edward T. Welch

Dr. Welch is a member of the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA and part of the staff of CCEF. As a result, I expected to get a full helping of heart targeted counsel on addictions and sin. I was not disappointed. This is a must read for those who have addictions, love someone with addictions are is counseling someone with addictions. Beyond that is was helpful to me personally as I thought about the besetting sins with which I struggle.
Each chapter ended with a page on two entitled Practical Theology with questions listed under “As You Face Your Own Addictions” and “As You Help Someone Else”. These questions were exceptionally helpful and forced me to think in a more complete way. As Welch says, “Better yet, accurate theology is a kind of treasure map: it guides us and compels us to relentlessly search scripture for more and more relevant, penetrating, enlightening, life-changing truth.”
Here is my regret about the book. As can be expected, Welch does not hold AA in the highest esteem. I understand and agree. He points out that AA, by avoiding themes like sin and salvation to include a greater audience, it also left out the theology that is foundational to Christ-centered change. My concern is that Welch left out that unknown element that makes one addicted to alcohol, or drawn to child pornography, while another is not. There is a something else there, be it chemical, emotional or psychological that I wrestle with as I minister to and love an addict.
Thanks Mike for the recommendation. Well worth the read.