Module 1: Attitudes

Opportunity for Discussion - Faith Tradition

 

Competency 10 – Be able to acknowledge and address values, issues and attitudes regarding alcohol and other drug use and dependence in:
Oneself
One's own family

A series of questions that theological students might consider for discussion would be the following:

  1. What is (if any) the official posture of my faith tradition with regard to the use of alcohol and other mood altering substances?

  2. Historically, where did this attitude and stance originate?

  3. What positive and/or negative attitudes does this position foster in people?

  4. Does the attitude of my faith tradition contribute to or detract from health and healing when it comes to alcoholism and other forms of addiction?

  5. What are the ethical and pastoral implications for ministering to those addicted to alcohol and those affected by another's alcohol use?

  6. What is the posture of other religious traditions and how does their stance on alcoholism compare to my faith tradition?

This kind of an exercise brings to the surface the implicit as well as explicit attitudes that students harbor and requires them to wrestle with the implications of their attitudes and perspectives when it comes to ministering to those affected by addiction.

If you have additional time to devote to the topic of attitudes, the following activities might be salutary in raising consciousness further with respect to alcohol, alcoholism and the alcoholic.