• Module 1 - Attitudes
  • Introduction
  • The Function of Attitudes
  • Opportunites for Discussion
    • Ambivalence
    • Faith Tradition
    • Youth Experiences
    • Case Study
    • Final Reflection
• Module 2 - Awareness
  • Introduction
  • General Awareness Information
  • Salient Features
  • Stages of Alcoholism
  • Physiological Impact
  • Other Options
  • Handouts
• Module 3 - Assimilation
  • Introduction
  • Roles of Religious Leaders
  • Codependency
  • Class Activity
  • Case Study
  • Handouts
• Module 4 - Action
  • Introduction
  • General Considerations
  • "The Twelve Steps" Information
  • Factors
  • Phases
  • Additional Possibilities
  • Handouts

MODULE III: Assimilation

Class Activity

 

Competency 4 - Understand that addiction erodes and blocks religious and spiritual development; and be able to effectively communicate the importance of spirituality and the practice of religion in recovery, using the scripture/sacred writings, traditions and rituals of the faith community.

Competency 5 - Be aware of the potential benefits of early intervention to the:
Addicted person
Family system
Affected children

Competency 6 - Be aware of appropriate pastoral interactions with the:
Addicted person
Family system
Affected children

Competency 7 - Be able to communicate and sustain:
An appropriate level of concern
Messages of hope and caring

These concepts can be presented and the class could be divided into small groups to discuss the implications of being codependent while attempting to provide religious leadership and counsel for others. As the person teaching this module, it might be well to be prepared to refer students as needed to competent counselors to work with the phenomenon of codependency as it comes to expression in the life of the student.

Edwin Friedman in his classic work, Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue,¹ demonstrates the manner in which replication of attitudes and experiences in one's household of origin come to manifest themselves in the life of a religious leader. If the student comes from an addictive household, a plethora of problems can be precluded if the student addresses these issues before entry into religious leadership. Reading this book has been helpful for many theological students who come from addictive situations. If time permits, students may read and discuss this book, or at least the salient features in it, that deal with the power of the system in shaping the attitudes and actions of people.

The material provided thus far in the module could be expanded at the discretion of the professor. If additional material is desired, the next tab, Case Study, would provide an opportunity to further discuss the implications of the material presented in this module.

1. Edwin H. Friedman. Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue. New York: Gullford Press, 1985.

 

Module Home • Introduction • Roles of Religious Leaders in Ministering to the Afflicted and Affected • Codependency • Class Activity • Case Study

 

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