Celebrate Recovery Updated Participant's Guide Set, Volumes 1-4: A Recovery Program Based on Eight Principles from the Beatitudes

Alex Loredo

Is this series accurately portaying the true Word of God?

First of all this series does not completely replace the original 12 steps. It adds to the 12 step program by a very liberal interpretation of the Beatitudes(usually cropping the verses to suit their needs). What this series adds to the proven 12 step formula is 8 "principles" from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Some of the 8 "principles" seem to fit and others seem to be forced interpretations based on Jesus' teachings in Mathew Chapter 5. I finally made my decision not to use the series after noting too many liberal interpretations and translations of scripture. For example: Ephesians 4:23 in book 1 of this series says: "Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person." (Eph 4:23, TLB) When I read this verse I was amazed at how many actual words in the original new testament manuscripts were actually left out. On paper it looks and sounds good but the fact of the matter is this is a very loose translation. The original greek(in parenthesis) from Eph. 4:23 actually says: "and (δέ) that you be renewed (ἀνανεόω) in the spirit (πνεῦμα) of your (σύ) mind (νοῦς)". This is very important because our renewal is not of our-self but because of God's Spirit that dwells in us which renews our mind. When we take any part of the spiritual aspect out of our healing we operate solely in the flesh which is where we are weakest. We have to rely on God's Spirit to comfort, counsel, and renew us. I simply cannot teach material that so loosely uses scripture. Additionally if you advertise the copyrighted "Celebrate Recovery" you are only allowed to use their published materials in your teachings and nothing else. Lastly I find these tiny little booklets to be way over priced. You will pay at least 40 dollars for the 1-4 and 5-8 series required. This is too much. They could easily fill a single book with all these tiny books and get the cost down to around $20. I have ordered many different 12 step programs to compare them including standard secular material and I have found that the "The Twelve Steps a Spiritual Journey" while not perfect is a suitable Biblical Based 12 Step Program that can be slightly modified(with preferred translations of scriptures) if desired and costs about $20. The book includes all material necessary, the steps in workbook style pages, with scriptures, and group exercises.

Yich Vich Yny

Very helpful for suffering Christians

There are those in the Evangelical world that think this is a secularized program dressed up as Christian. I can see the argument. However, for me, who used to go to various Anon meetings in churches and see pix of Christ and crosses hanging on walls, and everyone talked about their Higher Power (some like the Universe, their inner selves, or plainly some ridiculous ones), it was a breath of fresh air to have an actual Christian recovery program that called the issues as they are. Maybe it's not perfect as some Christians think it should be; to walk in a church and hear Christ's name and be able to be in His house and be honest about the issues plaguing my life is worth it. And as a leader of a CR group, I've seen true healing from it.

Renn Belladonna

Dig deap within yourself--Thank you Lord!! :)

Wow!! I've been doing this study and I'm on my 1st book and I love it!!! It really causes you to look deep within yourself to be more aware of why we do what we do. I'm more sensitive to the issues at hand, and it's easier to acknowledge and make a conscious change. I highly recommend this study to anyone who is tired of certain behavior, habits, hurts, pains from the past that's affecting your present and future. This book poses questions, that causes you to really go back in time and reflect on your past. You will get insight, and revelation. I'm only on my first book, and excited for the rest of the books and see what the Lord will do. (this is not just for drug/alcohol addictions) it's great for a character assessment as well. Enjoy :)

Jomz Grajo

Cheaper than the church bookstore!

Purchasing these books here as a set saved me $8! Celebrate Recovery is a great curriculum for anybody suffering from a hurt, habit, or hang up. In the right setting, this program can change lives. I would highly recommend Celebrate Recovery. One can easily locate Celebrate Recovery programs in their Community by going on to the Celebrate Recovery website. I would suggest purchasing the books and then visiting a couple of different locations to see which program felt best to attend. I do feel that these books could help people at home also, but a critical component is doing the program with others.

Aabroo Fatima

Hanging With The Pharisees

I appreciated the shrink wrapped package and the smooth matte coating of the covers. As I flipped through each one, I was taken aback by how much wasted space there was in each booklet as they all cover the same readings as the first booklet. I get that it is probably so you can just take your most current book to a step study if that is how you accomplish the work (which is how I did) but it gets rather redundant. I agree with other reviews that call into question the plethora of Bible versions and how much tailoring there is to fit what the writers want it to say. This isn't always a bad thing. I appreciate having multiple sources to solidify and exegete the point, but not when they come from vastly differing translation versions. You may be wondering about my title ey? Well, here it is. My experience in a group of 20+ men all doing the step work one lesson a week is that in the worst cases the guys don't really make any life change and use the soft format to either coddle themselves into an "I tried my best" fallacy or in best cases guys change their lives and move toward redemption within their family or loved ones circles but are not actually transformed into disciples of Christ so much as men seeking a comfortable consumer Christianity. Grateful to have powered through the books. It was a long process that took about a year. It lacks evangelism and discipleship but serves well for shallow, ignorant people that have never been to therapy or done any kind of self help work.

Emily Mertis Cherukara

Great Work

This is some of the best work yet. I am pleased with this Celebrate Recovery Program. It is deep work and if you work along with the bible it will propel you in your recovery work and help you move along in a better place whether you struggle with addiction, codependency, other issues...this is great for any of those things.

Nisim Salinas

Inspiring...

There isn't a Celebrate Recovery meeting in my area, so I bought these to use on my own, and they are wonderful. These books (and all other CR literature) are perfect for any 12-step addiction program. (I used it because there are no OA meetings in my area either.) Would recommend for anyone needing help in their 12-step recovery.

Eihn Ebi Sacam

Life-changing guides

If you have any kind of hurt, habit, or hang-up. Find a local Celebrate Recovery, get these awesome guides, join a step study, and change your life!

Crystal Ash

In depth study guide for recovery

I enjoy the guided study and questions which get you to examine yourself deeply. It uses scriptures and anagrams to help you remember the principles and put them into practice.

Shannon Kilfoil-Russo

Life changing

Life changing!!!! I’m doing the 12 step at my church with a group Of ladies. You will be a different person on the other side! This is my 2nd time doing this. :) Hard, honest work, but worth it!! Be honest and give yourself time to process your memories and feelings. That’s where the group happens!

John Priest

Is this series accurately portaying the true Word of God?

First of all this series does not completely replace the original 12 steps. It adds to the 12 step program by a very liberal interpretation of the Beatitudes(usually cropping the verses to suit their needs). What this series adds to the proven 12 step formula is 8 "principles" from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Some of the 8 "principles" seem to fit and others seem to be forced interpretations based on Jesus' teachings in Mathew Chapter 5. I finally made my decision not to use the series after noting too many liberal interpretations and translations of scripture. For example: Ephesians 4:23 in book 1 of this series says: "Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person." (Eph 4:23, TLB) When I read this verse I was amazed at how many actual words in the original new testament manuscripts were actually left out. On paper it looks and sounds good but the fact of the matter is this is a very loose translation. The original greek(in parenthesis) from Eph. 4:23 actually says: "and (δέ) that you be renewed (ἀνανεόω) in the spirit (πνεῦμα) of your (σύ) mind (νοῦς)". This is very important because our renewal is not of our-self but because of God's Spirit that dwells in us which renews our mind. When we take any part of the spiritual aspect out of our healing we operate solely in the flesh which is where we are weakest. We have to rely on God's Spirit to comfort, counsel, and renew us. I simply cannot teach material that so loosely uses scripture. Additionally if you advertise the copyrighted "Celebrate Recovery" you are only allowed to use their published materials in your teachings and nothing else. Lastly I find these tiny little booklets to be way over priced. You will pay at least 40 dollars for the 1-4 and 5-8 series required. This is too much. They could easily fill a single book with all these tiny books and get the cost down to around $20. I have ordered many different 12 step programs to compare them including standard secular material and I have found that the "The Twelve Steps a Spiritual Journey" while not perfect is a suitable Biblical Based 12 Step Program that can be slightly modified(with preferred translations of scriptures) if desired and costs about $20. The book includes all material necessary, the steps in workbook style pages, with scriptures, and group exercises.

Hoymond Louie