Thirst

“Anyone feeling parched on the path of recovery will find Jim Nelson’s Thirst quenching! Jim writes, as he lives, with a very special blend of insight, wisdom, humor, and humility. Sobriety sustains and spirituality seekers will be encouraged and enlightened by his work.”
– Mark Dayton, United States Senator.

“Thirst is a unique and precious gift from Jim Nelson to countless people concerned about our culture’s pandemic of multiple addictions! Sharing profound wisdom from his own recovery, Nelson reflects brilliantly on the complex theological issues involved in addiction and recovery. He illuminates the idolatrous spiritual power of addictions-a dynamic that Bill Wilson once described to me as ‘a vain attempt to drink God out of a valuable resource for addicted persons and their families, psychotherapists, counselors, and clergy.”
– Howard Clinebell, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Claremont School of Theology, and author of Understanding and Counseling Persons with Alcohol, Drug, and Behavioral Addictions

“A profound theological treatise and an extraordinary book, Thirst weaves its way with deep insight and thoughtful reflection through the complexities of addiction in the context of the spiritual life. This engaging book should be read by all ministers, theologians, and people interested in the amazing intricacies of the spiritual life.”
– Christie Cozad Neuger, Ph.D., Professor of Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

“With extraordinary self-understanding, James Nelson explores the mystery at the center of his alcoholism, locating there the self-destructive sin of separation and revealing the fundamental longing for the holy that is at the heart of all addiction. Then, with grace and wit, he gently charts a course back to wholeness. For those of us in recovery, and for anyone who has struggled to understand the deeper meanings of addiction, this wise and compassionate book is a blessing.”
– Phebe Haugen, Professor of Law, William Mitchell College of Law

“This profound book is born of pain, but it is consistently hopeful, refreshingly humorous, and unflinchingly honest – not unlike the conversation at many recovery meetings.”
– The Reverend Peter J. Calhoun, St. Andrew’s United Church , Moose Jaw , Saskatchewan