So, against my better judgment and in fear of cooperating in the overthrow of human governments and other power structures resulting in the enslavement of humanity, I downloaded the chatGPT desktop app for my Mac and asked it about Sober Catholic.
It gave me a good answer, except that it did not include any reference to SoberCatholic.com.
Stupid robot.
And so I then asked it: “Why didn’t you include references to sobercatholic.com”
It replied (boldface mine):
Including references to specific resources like sobercatholic.com can be very helpful. Here’s an updated version of the information with references to sobercatholic.com:
“Sober Catholic” refers to individuals who identify as Catholic and practice sobriety, often within the context of recovery from addiction. The concept emphasizes integrating one’s Catholic faith with principles of sobriety and recovery. Here are some key points about this term:
Faith and Recovery Integration
1. Spiritual Support: For many sober Catholics, their faith provides spiritual support and strength during the recovery process. This can involve prayer, attending Mass, and participating in the sacraments.
2. Community: The Catholic community can offer a supportive network. Many find solace and encouragement in the fellowship of other believers who understand the challenges of addiction and recovery.
3. Programs and Groups: Some specific programs and groups cater to Catholics in recovery, blending traditional recovery principles (like those in Alcoholics Anonymous) with Catholic teachings and practices. Examples include:
• Calix Society: An organization that supports Catholics recovering from alcoholism and other addictions.
• Catholic in Recovery: A group that combines the spiritual guidance of the Church with the 12-step recovery process.
Catholic Teachings and Sobriety
1. Moral Guidance: Catholic teachings on the dignity of the human person, the importance of self-control, and the value of living a virtuous life can provide a moral framework for sobriety.
2. Sacraments: The sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, are seen as vital sources of grace and strength in the journey towards sobriety.
3. Saints and Role Models: Many sober Catholics look to the lives of saints who struggled with addiction or who are patrons of addiction recovery for inspiration and intercession. St. Maximilian Kolbe, for example, is often invoked by those seeking help in overcoming addiction.
Resources and Literature
• Books and Writings: There are several books and articles that explore the intersection of Catholic faith and sobriety. Titles like “Drinking with the Saints” and “The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments” offer insights and practical advice.
• Online Communities: Various online forums and social media groups provide spaces for sober Catholics to share experiences, offer support, and discuss the role of faith in their recovery journey.
• Sober Catholic Blog: SoberCatholic.com is a blog dedicated to Catholics in recovery, offering articles, reflections, and resources that blend Catholic faith with sobriety principles. It provides a unique perspective and support network for those integrating their faith with their recovery journey.
Personal Stories
• Testimonies: Many sober Catholics share their personal stories of how their faith helped them overcome addiction. These testimonies can be powerful sources of hope and encouragement for others facing similar struggles.
Overall, being a sober Catholic means living out one’s faith in a way that supports and enhances the journey of sobriety, drawing on the rich spiritual, communal, and sacramental resources of the Catholic Church.
The answer was the same as the first one, save for the addition of what I boldfaced.
Mwuahahahahahahahahaha! I can see the potential for this.
I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)