The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction

by Donavon Riley, Chad Bird (Foreword by)

Overview

The Impossible Prize is a lantern in the darkness, casting light on the theological underpinnings of addiction and recovery. In this book, the reader will confront the raw truth, that the struggle against addiction is not merely a battle of willpower or a psychological chess match; it's a spiritual warfare, a clash between the forces of hopelessness and the redemptive grace of a higher power. The Impossible Prize, therefore, invites readers into a profound dialogue with their own vulnerabilities, urging them to relinquish the futile pursuit of self-made solutions and instead turn their gaze toward the divine.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781962654708
Publisher:	1517 Publishing
Publication date:	03/11/2025
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He holds master’s degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. Chad has authored several books, speaks regularly at conferences and congregations, and cohosts the popular podcast, “40 Minutes in the Old Testament.” Chad and his wife Stacy make their home in Texas, where they have been blessed with four children and three grandchildren.
Donavon Riley is a Lutheran pastor, conference speaker, author, and co-host of The Banned Books and Warrior Priest podcasts. He authored the book, Crucifying Religion about his conversion from atheist to believer. He is also a Muay Thai and BJJ practitioner and operates the Warrior Priest Gym MMA.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Chad Bird
“Addiction”
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Luther’s Definition of a False God and Addiction
Chapter 2: Luther’s BondageoftheWill and Addiction
Chapter 3: Luther’s Theology of the Cross and Addiction Recovery
Chapter 4: Luther’s Formulation of Simul Iustus et Peccator and Addiction
Chapter 5: Luther’s Teachings on Election and the Sacraments and Addiction
Postscript
 

Editorial Reviews

"'And other great shame and vice,' this is how Luther designates the unfruitful works of darkness such as alcoholism, drug addiction and promiscuity when commenting on the Sixth petition of the Lord’s Prayer, Lead us not into temptation. Here Luther identifies the root cause of such destructive behaviors with a spiritual malady, the greater shames and vices of false belief and despair. In The Impossible Prize Donavon Riley reflects on his own battle with addiction in light of Luther’s Theology of the Cross and “The Bondage of the Will. This book will be a great resource for pastors wanting to understand how Luther’s doctrine can have concrete impact and healing for their people today. The gospel is the only true remedy. " - Bror Erickson, Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church

"Our secular age has come to see addiction as a psychological issue to be treated with therapeutic means. Donovan Riley goes deeper. As one who is well-acquainted with addictions but also anchored in Luther's theology, Riley brings to the table the Reformer's realistic and rich understanding of the bondage of sin, the continuing power of sin in the life of the believer, the theology of the cross, and potent promises of a God who does not forsaken His fallen creatures in despair. The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction pulsates with the hope that is found in Christ alone. This is a book of pastoral care that is unafraid to confront shame and defeat in the presence of God"- John T. Pless, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN

From the Publisher