The Impossible Prize A Theology of Addiction

by Riley , Donavon; Bird , Chad; Riley, Donavon; Bird, Chad

• ISBN13: 9781962654708
• ISBN10: 1962654702
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2025-03-11
• Publisher: 1517 Publishing

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Donavon Riley is a Lutheran pastor, conference speaker, author, and contributing writer for 1517. He is the author of the books Crucifying Religion and The Withertongue Emails. He is also the co-host of the Banned Books podcast. 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.

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 Bondage of the Will 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