Has anyone read this book?

openminded

When God Becomes A Drug? by Father Leo Booth

The title seemed interesting, thought I would see if anyone has looked at it or heard of it before I buy it.

Booth defines religious addiction and abuse then goes over a twelve step program of recovery. This book shines a light into the dark recesses of religious abuse. The person who is the most addicted and abusive may very well be the person who is admired by outsiders for their religious conviction. The children and spouses see a very different picture. I think this book would be helpful to someone who was willing to consider the possibility that they have a problem. I think it is more likely to be read by someone affected by another's addiction than by the addict herself. Booth says he has success in his practice of working with religious addicts so perhaps they can be helped. In my experience though it seems that the people who fit his description of a religious addict are the ones who would never consider that they may be wrong or that their religion is causing a problem. For these cases Booth presents ideas for staging an intervention when the addict/abuser will not admit to the problem. Good luck.

One problem I have with the book is his anti-atheist bias. He wants to bring the people to a better spirituality but considers atheism to be a negative outcome. He sees it as a backlash to abuse. He must be aware that people can arrive at atheism in many different ways. He seems pretty open minded otherwise. People who want a healthier relationship to their faith without giving it up should be comforted by the fact that he is in no way trying to talk them out of their faith. He is a man of the cloth himself.

I'd recommend this book for someone who thinks his or her religious involvement may be getting out of hand. For the abused children or spouse of an addict it's a start only. I'd like to see a lot more awareness that religion can be used in such a damaging way and this book is a step in that direction. Abused children are in the worst position since society doesn't really recognize this type of abuse and is not prepared to do anything about it. (I read the hardbound version.)
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In this book, Fr. Leo outlines the problem of being addicted to religion. He outlines the steps one can go through as the addiction comes to dominate one's life, and outlines the steps necessary to break free from this addiction. Being a religious addict myself, I really enjoyed this book. He described my life to a 't' in this book, and it has helped me break the chains of religious addiction and has helped me attain a more healthy spirituality. If you even suspect you might have a problem with your religiousity, I highly recommend this book.

garybuss

Hi Open

I read it along with 3 or so other similar books on religious abuse and addiction. The Subtle Power Of Spiritual Abuse, and Churches That Abuse are a couple that come to mind.

I met Booth after a speech he gave in Iowa a few years back . . . hit a dead deer in the road on the way home in the dark. Launched that car.

The book is worth a read for sure. Booth is/was an Episcopalian priest so his perspective is from a religious viewpoint. I have tried to remain open to hearing and reading opinion from a viewpoint that differs from my own. Helps me understand the issue. A sage once told me that if I can’t argue a point, pro and con, equally well, I don’t understand the issue well enough to write/talk about it.

gb

Quester

I found the book at the library,
read it, liked it, and recommend it.

Booth has a website:
* http://www.fatherleo.com/

Quester

Has anyone read this book?

openminded

bboyneko

garybuss

Quester

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