Church

[addlover]

I've recently started going to church. I spoke to one of the pastors,  and he said addiction is a sin not a disease. Im struggling with this. Everything I've been told,  read about and feel in my heart tells me differently. He recommended a group at church. I asked if it was a 12 step program. He said no, it's one step..Jesus
I'm really enjoying this church, but don't agree with a couple things. Their stance on gay marriage and addiction
I don't know if it's "right" to sit amongst the congregation,  thinking and feeling differently
and to be honest,  I don't want to be swayed into believing differently
what do you guys think?

[addlover]

Thank you everyone for your insight. I've learned to just be present at church and not to pick things apart too much. Being a new believer,  has been wonderful and emotional.  It's been a difficult transition for me and my family. My husband is not thrilled with my new found beliefs. But change is not easy. I've learned to take what I need from my church and try to give. It's not east to sit in the pew knowing that I've sinned and continue to. But I've come a long way in a short amount of time
Again thank you for your thoughts  I'll keep you updated

[Heather8448]

my pastor is an addict, its easy for people who dont understand to say stupid things...pure ignorance to me
I have another pastor who takes people into detox and talks to them, he lost his daughter to this disease

[merden77]

Only God can judge and the Lord knows your heart that's one thing you can't hide and addiction is not a sin it's a struggle with the demons of Satan to get people hooked so that they will sin.

[charlie_coldturkey_tn2015]

Dear friend. I also enjoy my church and have had this same conversation with my pastor. He has stated that he is totally opposed to gay marriage and would never perform one. He also has stated that he is totally against any SIN against GOD pertaining to the bible. So my concern was, is the  right place for me. In his sermons as he preaches, he however lets everyone know that we are all sinners and we all can have salvation no matter what. We are to love the sinners as much or more than the so called saints. He and a large number of my church truly live this message and accept all who come.
It doesn't matter whether they believe in a one step or a 12 step program. It does matter what YOU believe. My church,( pastor and some members), is very aware of my recent decision to quit my addiction old 30 years to opiates. They did not judge, they simply stood by me and supported me.
Before this, they had no idea of my addiction. But you find out who the real people are when you start to go down a dark road and you need help.
I started going to NA and AA meetings and found the same thing that I found in church. Some things you agree with, some things you don't. So you learn to take the good and leave the bad. You are there for your recovery and there are people to help. But you are not going to like everything about it. I would say that you might visit some other churches ,as I did, and pray to GOD, and you will find your church home. You may already be in the right place. Just know that pastors, congregations, NA and AA meetings, and everyday life are filled with people who are not always going to say what you might want to hear. Your decisions are between you and your higher power. GOD BLESS YOU and keep you.  

Hope this helps.

[Calamity2]

I believe it's a sin , every time I knowingly defile my body.  Whether or not it's opiates or chocolate donuts.    But how I choose to get off opiates is with the help of other addicts.  Don't know if it's a disease. It has been a family history but in any event it's a choice.   No church is perfect. I don't think gay is any more sinful than looking at a person and wanting to.   I know the bible does talk about marriage to quench lust.  I think gays should marry.  I'm a Christian addict.

[Frogger76]

Well, I don't feel like addiction in itself is a sin, however, some of the things I did while using, would most likely be considered sins.  Maybe look around and attend several churches and settle on one that you feel completely comfortable with. Wish you the best!!

[motye51]

I would recommend finding a new church!

[dominosarah]

Honestly i would check out other places to worship.  Some of their ideas are closed minded and that wouldnt sit well with me.  My brothers aunt is like that....sits in the front row at church but disowns a few of us due to our "sins".

[VICourageous]

My church has meetings there and some are 12step based..My Pastor just told me to pray to my Lord before I take a mind altering substance. He said it is like we can choose a false idol over our God. They know all about this being a Disease and have looked up info in a more Scientific way. However, they also can go into many scrips that talk about this disease too!

The Recovery Church groups due use the Bible and some verses right along with the NA/AA verses or steps too!

Just keep on working on Sobriety. I guess it does not matter about it being this or that. Staying clean does take some work and I could NOT do it without my God/Jesus.

I want to put this on a shirt..
"Let the Spirit of God change your Mind-set...Not Mind-altering substances".

Bless

[addict3]

Addiction is not a sin. It may cause you to do sinful things but it is a disease.
Try a few other places of worship, you might find that you are more comfortable in another.
I think the above poster made some good points.

[clement4now]

Hi,
I chuckled while reading your post, because I can completely relate to it, especially where you mentioned the pastors response to your 12 step program question. That was classic actually...
I believe that religion and spirituality are very personal and intimate subjects, that each individual can choose to use as a tool or asset in their lives when needed, whether that is on a daily basis or in times of great need ~ just my personal opinion. If you really enjoy going to this particular church, I think you should continue going. Just because you have a different opinion than theirs on certain issues, doesn't mean your not worthy of receiving spiritual guidance, or social interaction within the same church. Meanwhile you can always visit other places of worship to see if you are more comfortable elsewhere; most churches always accept visitors and new faces...
Good Luck :)