Overcoming Alcohol Dependence through the Phenomenon of Christian Spirituality

287 Pages·2013·1.6 MB·English

by  Michael Byrne

THE VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE:
THE PHENOMENON OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY IN OVERCOMING
ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
by
Michael John Byrne
Liberty University

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Doctor of Philosophy

Liberty University

January, 2013

© Michael J. Byrne, 2013
Michael John Byrne January, 2013
All Rights Reserved
THE VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE:
THE PHENOMENON OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY IN OVERCOMING
ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
A Dissertation Proposal
Submitted to the
Faculty of Liberty University
in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy

by
Michael John Byrne

Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
January, 2013

Dissertation Committee Approval:
_____________________________________________
JOHN C. THOMAS, Ph.D., Ph.D., Committee Chair

_____________________________________________
FRED A. MILACCI, Ed.D., Committee Member

_____________________________________________
DAVID E. JENKINS, Psy.D., Committee Member
Abstract

THE VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE:
THE PHENOMENON OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY IN OVERCOMING
ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
by
Michael John Byrne
Center for Counseling and Family Studies
Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling

Interviews were conducted with graduates of a northeastern evangelical Christian-based
treatment program to discover insights regarding the role that the phenomenon of
Christian spirituality played in their recovery. Eight themes were extracted from three
periods of time in the participants’ lives as they related to the phenomenon of Christian
spirituality: prior to treatment; during treatment; and after treatment. These themes
revealed that the participants lacked resiliencies to overcome alcohol dependence
themselves. All participants reported that critical aspects of Christian spirituality, such
as regeneration and cultivation of a divine-human relationship through lifestyle exercise
of Spiritual Disciplines and diligent application of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and
Christian virtues worked to transform them during and after treatment.
Dedication

This paper is dedicated with my precious wife, Susan, to our Lord Jesus Christ,
our Lord and Savior, and our Source of Abundant Life. No one knows the depth of
sacrifice and undying commitment that Susan, as my “Barnabas,” has demonstrated
through this unprecedented spiritual journey.
Susan has demonstrated Christ-like lovingkindness, faithfulness, supernatural
longsuffering and perseverance. She has selflessly stood by my side through her ongoing
war with life-threatening illness. In the midst of her battle she has rallied and placed me
and my needs above her own.
Many have read of the “Proverbs 31 Woman” and have been greatly inspired.
God has blessed me with the honor of being married to her; being loved by her; and
loving her. THANK YOU DEAREST FAIREST; I LOVE YOU ALWAYS!
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of
her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She
will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:11, 12)

During this spiritual journey we have been encouraged by the Christ-like
modeling of my professors in their lovingkindness toward me, both in word and deed.
We have also been deeply challenged and encouraged to commit the rest of our lives to
pursuing the path of discipleship that the participants have submitted themselves to at
America’s Keswick Colony of Mercy.
We desire to consistently exercise private and corporate Spiritual Disciplines in
the cultivation of our divine-human relationship. With a single-hearted focus and
wholehearted effort we desire to exercise the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the Christian
virtues in all our thoughts, attitudes, words and actions by God’s amazing grace.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank our Lord Jesus Christ for His redemptive work on the Cross
for William Raws. God gave him a “Victorious Christian Life” over alcohol dependence
through a divine human relationship and a vision for other men struggling as he had.
I would like to thank all the faithful patriots who have picked up his mantel at
America’s Keswick Colony of Mercy and continue to provide men with the opportunity
to experience God’s amazing grace and the “Victorious Christian Life.”
I would like to thank the men who valiantly shared their life stories in order to
glorify God for their “Victorious Christian Life” and offer living hope to dependent men.
I would like to thank Dr. John Thomas, my chairperson, who consistently
provided a prophetic voice of encouragement, exhortation, and comfort in the pursuit of
perfection to the glory of God; both in and out of the classroom. He continually modeled
Christ-like gentleness and kindness; which created a desire in my heart to emulate these
Christian virtues. Thank you from my heart
I would like to thank Dr. Fred Milacci, who greatly encouraged me through his
Christ-like pastoral love in his teaching. He has a gift of making every student in his
class feel special, even significant. His prophetic voice provided meticulous instruction
in methodology from an expert in qualitative design. Thank you from my heart.
I would like to thank Dr. David Jenkins, whose passion is contagious for living a
“Christ-centered life;” glorifying God in all one’s endeavors and relationships. His
expertise in the area of dependence was intrinsic in this study. His prophetic voice both
in and out of the classroom was one of resounding inspiration. Thank you from my heart.

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Table of Contents

Dedication……………………………………………………………………………..…iii
Acknowledgements…….…………………….………………….……………...………..iv
List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………….ix

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH TOPIC
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..12
Background to Problem………………………………………………………..……......14
Purpose of Study………………………………………………………….....……….....30
Research Questions……………………………………………………………………..31
Definitions.…………………………………………………………………......…….....31
Significance of this Study…............................................................................................36
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework…………..…………………………………......….38
My Personal and Professional Interest in this Study…………………..……………….52
Organization of Remaining Chapters………………………………………………......54
Chapter Summary…………………………………………………………………...….56

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..57
Limitations of the Medical Model…………………………………….……...…………57
Focus of Study…………………………………………………………………………..64

Chronological Highlights of Christian Spirituality in Philosophy and Treatment of
Alcohol Dependence in America………………………...……………………………...66

Clinical Perspectives of Christian Spirituality in Treatment of Alcohol Dependence.....82

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Historical Progression of Christian Spirituality in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence
and Its Recent Resurgence…………………………………………………………..…..83
The Etiology and Theology of Alcohol Dependence in the Context of the Phenomenon of
Christian Spirituality……………………………………………………………………………87
The Phenomenon of Christian Spirituality as a Treatment Modality ………………….99
Chapter Summary………………………………………………..…...………………...109

CHAPTER THREE: METHODS
Introduction……………………………………………..…………………….….…......111
Research Design: Qualitative……….…………………………………………………..111
Selection of Participants……………………………………………………………..…113

Consent Form……………………………………………………………………...……114
Instrumentation……………………………………….…………………………...……114
Procedures……………………………………………………………….……………...114
Validity and Trustworthiness………………………………………………...…………117
Data Processing and Analysis…………………………………………………………..120
Chapter Summary………………………………………………………………..……..122

CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS
Introduction……………………………………………..…………………….……......123
Factors Contributing to Alcohol Dependence…………………………………………..123
Self-Treatment and Formal Treatment Attempts……………………………………….130

Common Theme: One…………………………………………………………………..143
Common Theme: Two……………………………………………….……………..…..154

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Common Theme: Three………………………………………………………………...160
Common Theme: Four………………………………………………………………….171
Common Theme: Five……………………………………………….………...……….176
Engagement with Scripture………………………………………………….…180
Prayer ………………………………………………………………….……….183
Meditation and Contemplation…………………………………………………187
Common Theme: Six…………………………………………..…………………...…..190
Common Theme: Seven……………………………………………...….………...……202

Common Theme: Eight……………………………………………………………...….209

Chapter Summary…………………………………………………….…….…………..214

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………….215
Conclusions Gleaned from Common Theme One………………………………….…..215
Conclusions Gleaned from Common Theme Two…………..…………………………217
Conclusions Gleaned from Common Theme Three……………………………………218
Conclusions Gleaned from Common Theme Four …………………………………….220
Conclusions Gleaned from Common Theme Five……………………….………….…222

Conclusions Gleaned from Common Theme Six……………………..………………..223
Conclusions Gleaned from Common Theme Seven……..……………………………..226
Conclusions Gleaned from Common Theme Eight………………………..........….......228
Counseling Implications……………...….……………………………………………..231
Philosophy of CCBT Treatment at Northeastern……………………………………….235

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Limitations…………………………………………………………………...…………240
Recommendations for Future Research.…………….…………………………….……243
Summary Research Conclusions…………………………………….………….………245
Chapter Summary………………………………………………………………........…246
Study Summary………………………………….……………………………………..246
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………248
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Consent Form……………………………………………………………276
Appendix B: General Information Format Interview Questions…………………….…278

Appendix C: Philosophical Assumptions of Modernistic Science and Psychology and the
Theistic Religious Traditions……………………………………………..279

Appendix D: Joshua’s “Dynamics for Change”………………………………...…...…281
“Dynamics for Change” Illustration………………………………….......283
Appendix E: Rephael’s “Way of Life”……………………………………..……….….284

“Way of Life” Illustration…………………………………...…………...286

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