Addiction and Virtue – Beyond the Models of Disease and Choice

What is the nature of addiction? Neither of the two dominant models (disease or choice) adequately accounts for the experience of those who are addicted or of those who are seeking to help them. In this interdisciplinary work, Kent Dunnington brings the neglected resources of philosophical and theological analysis to bear on the problem of addiction. Drawing on the insights of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas, he formulates an alternative to the usual reductionistic models. Going further, Dunnington maintains that addiction is not just a problem facing individuals. Its pervasiveness sheds prophetic light on our cultural moment. Moving beyond issues of individual treatment, this groundbreaking study also outlines significant implications for ministry within the local church context.

Table of Contents:
Preface 1 Addiction and Disease--Science, Philosophy, and Theology Defining Addiction Neurologically Assessing Risk Genetically Treating Addiction Medically Science, Philosophy, and Theology 2 Addiction and Incontinence--Resources in Aristotle The Paradox of Addiction Addiction and Incontinence Sources of Incontinence 3 Addiction and Habit--Resources in Aquinas Aquinas on Habit Habit as a Mediating Category Kinds and Causes of Habit Addiction as Habit 4 Addiction and Intemperance--Sensory Pleasures and Moral Goods Complex Habits Addiction and Intemperance 5 Addiction and Modernity--The Addict as Unwitting Prophet Aristotle on Habit and Happiness Modern Arbitrariness Modern Boredom Modern Loneliness 6 Addiction and Sin--Testing an Ancient Doctrine Sins, Sin, and Original Sin Sin, Addiction, and Voluntarism Sin as a Religious Category 7 Addiction and Worship--Caritas and Its Counterfeits Immanence and Transcendence Aquinas on Charity Addiction and Charity Addiction as a Way of Life 8 Addiction and the Church?The Gospel and the Hope of Recovery Addiction and Worship The Church and the Hope of Recovery Recovery and Friendship Addiction as Prophetic Challenge Index

About the Author :
Kent Dunnington is assistant professor of philosophy, Greenville College. He holds the Ph.D. in philosophy from Texas AM, and the M.T.S. in theology from Duke University.

Review :
"This would be a good read for those of you who want to explore more deeply the true nature of addiction, are unhappy with the disease or choice models as explanations, and, in the face of the limiations of the recovery movement, want to be encouraged by the veritable contributions of Christianity." "Addiction and Virtue sets the stage for a new scene in the church, where she is no longer dulled and distracted by a secular vision of happiness, but is a vibrant, attractive, and welcoming community of 'repentant sinners.'" "Dunnington's work neither demonizes the addicted person nor excuses the abuse of alcohol and drugs. But it points the way toward compassion for the individual, transformation of the culture (including the church), and recovery through the fullness of the Christian gospel." "An intelligent, informed and well-integrated treatment of virtue and addiction that doesn't fall into theological, philosophical or scientific dogma. Dunnington provides a framework that is invaluable for clinicians and researchers in the area of addiction, and for those who strive to live the virtuous life." "Kent Dunnington offers a compelling account of addiction as interpreted through the lens of virtue. A strong theological and philosophical foundation helps the reader to see how the good news of Jesus Christ offers a powerful alternative to the habit of addiction. While some within the addiction treatment community will find Dunnington's arguments controversial, others will experience them as a breath of fresh air. Either way, Addiction and Virtue is a worthwhile read!" "In Addiction and Virtue Kent Dunnington uses Aristotle, Thomas and the philosophically clarified concept of habit to illuminate addiction. The addicts in our midst emerge as 'contemporary prophets' who, if we can but find the ears to hear them, call society as a whole to profound change and the Christian church in particular to renewal. This valuable book points the way, if we are ever to recover from all our junkie-like 'habits' of personal behavior and social interaction, to turn them into truly sustaining habitats for flourishing human life." "Addiction and Virtue is one of only a few books which use philosophy to unpack the false dilemma limiting addiction to either disease or willful choice. What's more, Dunnington does this from a Christian theological perspective." "Considerations of addiction as disease are helpful but inadequate. Kent Dunnington shows us that addiction is a habit, more akin to idolatry or wrongful worship. In doing so he deepens our notions of addiction, but also enriches our understandings of sin and redemption. I can't think of a more timely subject, or a more exemplary way to do theological ethics." "Drawing on Aristotle's and Aquinas's accounts of habit, Kent Dunnington has given us an analysis of addiction we have desperately needed. Few are able to combine philosophical analysis with theological insight, but Dunnington has done it in a manner that helps us better understand the nature of addiction and why it is so prevalent in our time. This is a book that needs to be read, not only by those who work in the fields of addictive behaviors but also by philosophers, theologians and pastors. I suspect in a short amount of time, this book will be viewed as something of a classic in the field."