Steps of Transformation - an Orthodox Priest Explores the 12 Steps by Webber, Meletios (2003) Paperback

by Meletios Webber

Addictions and struggles with passions are rampant in our culture. Fr. Meletios Webber, an Orthodox priest with a doctorate in counseling, helps us to understand addiction and explores ways to overcome it. He clearly and skillfully explains the Twelve Steps of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. In correlating the Twelve Steps with basic Orthodox theology, Fr. Mel identifies the implications for Orthodox, and for all Christians. Using examples from the life of the Orthodox Church, he shows how the Steps can be valuable resource for our own spiritual journey. With an introduction by Bishop Kallistos Ware

Genres: Christianity, Christian, Religion

206 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2003

Reviews

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this book's primary aim is to explain the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and show how they're relatable to the Orthodox Church, it's really an invaluable resource for everyone. Fr. Webber shows how the 12-steps can also be a "spiritual ladder" for one's own journey to Christ. After all, whether it's an addiction to alcohol or an enslavement to our "passions," we all need to learn to admit that we are powerless and that only God can transform us. In a world where we have an abundance of "experts" on Youtube, this book is truly written by a wise guide and sets one on the right path towards salvation.

[Kerolos Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely informative book. I absolutely loved it. The content is useful on all levels, I as a priest benefited in having a deeper understanding of addiction and especially learning more about the 12-step approach process which can be incredibly useful for pastoral ministry. Although recovery may require professional intervention, I feel like everyone, on a basic level, can walk away with a few simple and useful tools to help provide a better environment for anyone struggling with addiction after reading (or listening to) this book. In the very least, the ordinary individual can walk away having a greater appreciation for the complexity of the matter and a greater respect for those battling addiction. I will also have to add that the audible version (narrated by Kristina Wenger) was as good as any audio book can get. It was really easy to focus on the content and the reader was engaging. There are so many highlightable or quotable content in this book, it’s full of rich content, so having the actual book for easy references may provide greater benefit. But all in all, I highly recommend this book!

[Gregory Korbut · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you struggle with alcohol and find Alcoholics Anonymous feels odd in light of an Orthodox phronema, this book may help. The “Big Book”, as written, does not present well to me as an Orthodox Christian. This book helps bridge the gap and reframe the 12 steps in light of the Orthodox ethos. I consider this an introductory text on the journey of repentance and recovery. From here one can move to the patristic texts and a deeper prayer life.

[Kevin Godinho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a part of AA about 10 years ago. This book reminded me how relevant the 12 steps are to the Christian life. Swap out the word "alcoholic" and think about it in terms of sin, and the 12 steps are essentially a life of acceptance, repentance, and discipleship. Great reminders.

[Tyler Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read about 30% of this book. What I read was very helpful in understanding alcoholics and the 12 steps. I would like to pick it up and finish it in the future.

[Mary Helene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A parallel to Richard Rohr's Breathing Underwater, rich in insight and an excellent companion. I enjoyed learning about an Orthodox approach to living.
P.s. It’s ironic that one of the categories of this text is listed on the back cover as “self-help. On pg. 146 it says about step six that “ the notion finally arrives that God is a completely independent, powerful force and the person in recovery has nothing to do but to stand ready, waiting for God to act.”