Roller coasters were created as a distraction from sin.
In the 1800s, hosiery businessman LaMarcus Thompson hated that Americans were tempted by hedonistic places like saloons and brothels. So he set out to straighten up one of the most immoral places he could think of – Coney Island in New York. There, he built America’s first roller coaster, to give New Yorkers some good, clean fun, away from seedier pastimes.
Sin begins with desire. James wrote, “After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:15).
The answer is to redirect your desires. Go ride a roller coaster.
Recovery Step: Ask God for the desire that leads to health, sobriety, and fulfillment. Then ride a roller coaster.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
