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This book, written by Cardinal Justin Rigali. is the seventh in a series known as The Shepherd’s Voice Series and is an excellent title that gives a Catholic Bishop’s Q & A concerning the topic of addiction.  This title is only 80 pages so it is a easy one day read. Though it is only 80 pages and likely a daily read it is definitely not a one time read.  I have read this title at least three times and I pick up sometime that I did not pick up from the previous reading.  Whether you have an addiction to alcohol, drugs, sexual, porn, gambling, or other addiction or if you know someone who does this is a must have and a must read for you and/or them.  It is priced right as well at $5.99 (U.S. dollars) and it is listed at Catholic Company Dot Com.

As I said above this title is only 80 pages and can essentially be broken down into eight key (8) parts or sections.  There are listed below. All told, there are 35 questions and 35 answers plus the conclusion. In a nutshell this title gives scriptural references as well as papal documents that address addiction.

After reading this book I have come to the conclusion: addicted persons live in a cycle of shame, blame, pain and fear  and gratification, repentance and back to shame and blame again.  Addiction leads to guilt; guilt leads to one’s self-distancing from God. Self distancing leads to isolation and isolation leads to fallen away brothers and sisters of our faith and leads to other sins and addictions.  This book is not the cure-all for those afflicted and in fact encourages professional treatment, but Cardinal Rigali does a great job of helping you the reader uncover your addictions and those of others around you and with helping you to help yourself/themselves.

1. Introduction
2. The Nature of Addiction
3. The Importance of A Robust Christian Anthropology
4. Initial Appraisal of Problems Posed By The Internet
5. The Sacraments: The Importance of Grace and VIrtue
6. The Importance of Prayer
7. The Twelve Steps
8. Conclusion

Personal Interjection

Given the brevity of this text and my lack of expect experience I will not attempt to “unpack” this book, I have however, posted a page on this blog entitled “addiction resources” where I will list the scripture and other Church documents referenced in this book.  I have also posted a “prayer chain” page where we can all post a prayer concern or joy and respond to the crumbs left behind by others with the overall objective to lead each of to Jesus and his Diving Mercy.  If all else fails, remember that Luke is known as the Gospel of great mercy, read it you will find peace, even if it is temporal in nature.

You should also remember that and if you read this book you will be reminded numerous times, that God has given the Church a mighty gift that aids each us with not only addictions, but everyday life: The Sacrament of Penance.  I know that the practice of “confessing” has fallen into disuse in American Society, but let me assure you; you do not know that which you are missing if you are not confessing regularly.

When I was younger I visited the confessional weekly at minimum and during my undergraduate days I ceased confessing all together.  This misjudgment on my part lasted nearly ten years the point that I had abandoned my faith outright and was infrequently attending a mainstream Protestant church and participating in civic organizations (Freemasons) that I knew where not approved by the Church.  Bottom line: my life was miserable.  I am now back on my weekly confession schedule and though I am still not completely happy my soul is clean and the guilt I once carried has been removed.

Thanks for surfing in,

– Christopher Bradley

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Let the Oppressed Go Free – Breaking the Bonds of .