In spite of the variety of views as to the source and purpose of temptation, biblical sources show a clear consistency as to its nature: it is the starting point of addiction. Whether we see it simply as our biological capacity to become attached, or as a seduction by dark external forces, or both, temptation is always the first step, the preliminary opportunity, for addiction. Once attachment is fully entrenched, our motivations become so mixed that freedom to choose is seriously compromised. But in the stage of temptation, where only the potential for attachment exists, our yes or no can
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