Sober Spirituality: The Joy of a Mindful Relationship with Alcohol

Episcopal pastor and recovery coach Warde debuts with an eye-opening account of seeking sobriety in a booze-soaked church culture. For years, Warde knew she had an alcohol problem, but recovery attempts stalled partly because, having attended “too many conferences full of Episcopalians where the real community happened over booze,” she believed alcohol was essential to her church identity. She succeeded in drying out thanks to “the abundant love of God,” which finally helped her believe in the “beautiful life” that “could be mine on the other side of sobriety.” Warde emphasizes the importance of “sober spirituality,” which can “release the [self-]judgment that takes us away from God” and help believers “show up in the world more fully.” She also advocates for church communities to become less alcohol-focused, and for readers to consider and reassess how alcohol impacts their religious identity, asking, for instance, “If alcohol is part of your spiritual rituals, how do these rituals offer you meaning?” The writing can feel forced (“We must be willing to see God in the chalice and in the ninety-nine thousand souls who died in 2020 due to alcohol-related causes in the United States”), but Warde’s pastoral perspective and empathetic tone will help readers feel seen but not judged. This is perfect for Christians looking to reassess their relationship with alcohol. (Apr.)