The Celebrate Recovery Bible, Should We Use It?

So I checked out the Celebrate Recovery Bible.  I have seen the Recovery Bible which focuses on the 12 steps.  This one is thanks to our friends at Saddleback, articles and devotions by John Baker and a foreword by Pastor Rick.  I assumed this was a 12 step program, but I was surprised to see that Celebrate Recovery is in fact eight principles instead of 12 steps.  They are based on the beatitudes, and while similar to 12 step, they are slightly different.

I'm not going to rehash everything in the principles, but instead ask the question, is this helpful?  Is this an improvement over 12 steps?  I would say no, it's not better but it appears to be on par.  I like this program and it covers the most important aspects that is covered by 12 step, you need God (He is the higher power, I don't care what AA calls it).

If you have read anything from Saddleback, you know that Pastor Rick and friends love acrostics and there are plenty in here.  If they help you remember things, this is the plan for you.  If you are or have been in the Military, you'll love it, cause no one loves acrostics more than the US Armed Forces. . . except maybe Saddleback.

This Bible is from our friends at Zondervan, so of course it's NIV.  NIV is not my favorite but many like it.  There have been some negative reviews of the new NIV, but I don't want to rehash those.  Be aware it's NIV, but that doesn't change the resources in it, which are still good.  In the end, pairing recovery with the Word of God is powerful and important.  I would use this resource to work with someone in recovery.  Whether you like 12 step or something different, this program gives the same flavor in fewer courses.  Give it a look and you may find something helpful.  I would recommend it.