Transformed by Grace by Rodney V. Corriveau
Grace as Deliverance: A Scriptural Guide to Breaking Chains
Rodney V. Corriveau’s Transformed by Grace presents a compelling integration of personal testimony, biblical teaching, and practical guidance for those seeking sobriety. The book argues that recovery from addiction is not solely a matter of willpower or behavioral change, but a profound spiritual transformation rooted in God’s grace. Structured around Corriveau’s own journey through addiction and renewal, the work uses Scripture as both a guide and anchor. Each chapter explores themes such as the illusion of freedom, the cycle of self-destruction, the turning point of surrender, and the ongoing process of remaking one’s life. Reflection questions and “Faith in Action” exercises reinforce the material, making the book both devotional and practical.
Corriveau is not an academic theologian but a practitioner who writes from lived experience. His authority rests in authenticity rather than scholarly credentials. This approach is effective for his intended audience—those wrestling with addiction or ministering to others in recovery. His heavy reliance on Scripture, particularly the Revised Standard Version, provides a solid biblical foundation. While the text draws deeply from Christian tradition, it does not engage with broader addiction studies, clinical psychology, or contemporary rehabilitation models. This may be a limitation for readers seeking a multidisciplinary perspective but keeps the book accessible and firmly within a faith-based framework.
The prose is clear, emotive, and pastoral. Corriveau’s style is characterized by vivid metaphors—the forest of darkness, the false promise of freedom, the master carpenter remaking a broken vessel—that effectively communicate complex spiritual ideas. His tone is compassionate and earnest, often moving between confessional vulnerability and exhortative encouragement. The structure of each chapter—biblical exposition, personal reflection, guiding questions, and action steps—creates a rhythm that supports sustained engagement. For readers in recovery, this combination of testimony and instruction is both relatable and practical.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its honesty. Corriveau does not minimize the destructive power of addiction, nor does he present grace as an abstract doctrine. Instead, he shows how grace reshapes identity and empowers lasting change. The inclusion of structured reflection questions and actionable steps makes the book especially useful for recovery groups or one-on-one mentorship.
Readers looking for engagement with medical or psychological insights into addiction may find the treatment narrow. Additionally, while Corriveau’s testimony is powerful, it sometimes risks overshadowing broader perspectives from the wider Christian recovery community. A more expansive integration of testimonies or pastoral insights could have strengthened the book’s communal dimension.
In its scope and intent, Transformed by Grace aligns with other faith-based recovery works such as Celebrate Recovery materials or the writings of Henri Nouwen on spiritual brokenness. Its distinctive feature is its heavy use of Scripture woven into the narrative of recovery, offering not just comfort but a practical scriptural roadmap. In today’s climate—where addiction remains a pressing social issue and spiritual resources are increasingly sought—the book’s message is timely and relevant.
Transformed by Grace succeeds as a pastoral and devotional guide to sobriety. Its core achievement lies in translating lived experience into spiritual insight, making grace not only a theological concept but a lived reality. It is best suited for readers in recovery, pastors and counselors in faith-based contexts, or Christians seeking a deeper understanding of how grace transforms human weakness. While its lack of clinical engagement may reduce its appeal to secular or interdisciplinary readers, within its chosen framework it is an effective and deeply moving contribution.
Highly recommended for faith-based recovery groups and individual readers seeking a biblically grounded path to healing.
—N3UR4L Reviews
