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1stAAHistory Conference
Feb 23 2003
History Talk

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1stAAHistory Conference
Feb 23 2003
History Talk
 

1stAAHistory Conference
About its Program

 History Address to "Archives 2000""Minn
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2nd AA History Conference 2003

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Alcoholics Anonymous
 35 History Articles  by Dick B 2003

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version with  Dick B History Articles Below

Article 1   top of page
The Spiritual Beginnings of A.A.
[In this first article, Dick presents a very unique discovery in his
eleven years of research: A.A. had two distinctly different spiritual
roots. The New York root has been presented as beginning with Rowland
Hazard's visit to Carl Jung, Rowland's own subsequent spiritual
transformation in the Oxford Group, the passing on to Ebby Thacher of
the Oxford Group principles, the passing of these principles to Bill
Wilson, the fleshing out of the principles by Wilson and Rev. Sam
Shoemaker, and a resultant 12 Step Life-changing program. Always
overlooked in recent years has been the distinct, highly successful, and
much simpler program evolved by Dr. Bob (and originally Bill) in Akron.
It began with the biblical ideas of Christian mentors such as Dwight L.
Moody, Henry Drummond, F. B. Meyer, John R. Mott, Robert E. Speer, and
others. These ideas found their way directly into the churches via
Christian Endeavor--a movement which began in New England and provided
Dr. Bob with "excellent training" in the Bible as part of his connection
with the North Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. This
article points out how the simple principles of confession of Christ,
Bible study, quiet time, prayer, witnessing, and fellowship found their
way into Dr. Bob's daily routine in the 1930's and resulted in the
simple format of the "old fashioned prayer meetings" and morning quiet
times of the Akron pioneers. This Bible history helps explain Dr. Bob's
continuous emphasis of the Bible as the source of A.A. ideas and its
widespread and daily use in Akron A.A. It underlines Anne Smith's
emphasis on the Bible. See Dr. Bob and His Library, The Akron Genesis of
A.A., and By the Power of God]

Article 2    top of page   
Rev. Sam Shoemaker, an A.A. "Co-Founder"  and Spiritual Source
[As with his first article's presentation on early A.A.'s roots in the
Christian Endeavor activities of Dr. Bob's youth, Dick here points to a
second major source of A.A.'s biblical roots--the teachings of Rev. Sam
Shoemaker. Bill Wilson called Sam a "co-founder" of A.A. but never gave
the specifics of Sam's detailed writings and words that can be found
almost verbatim in Big Book language and Twelve Step ideas. It's one
thing to recognize Sam's unique and vital A.A. role. It is another to
see the very specific things Bill seems to have borrowed primarily from
Sam and used in the Big Book. And then better be able to understand Big
Book ideas. See New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker and A.A.]

Article 3     top of page 
My “Agenda” Concerning Alcoholics Anonymous
Discovering and Publishing Facts about Its Spectacular Early Successes
[Seemingly perturbed by the new facts Dick B. was discovering and
presenting in his writings, several fine A.A. writers and historians
began to ask "Where does this all end?" "What is Dick's Agenda?"  "Are
these new facts or half-truths?" Here Dick explains from the beginning
of his quest WITHIN A.A. why and how he saw the need for looking into
the Bible, Sam Shoemaker, Anne Smith, Quiet Time, and the Christian
literature of early A.A. The questioning writers had simply ignored the
facts, and their omissions and questions underlined the absence of solid
research and writing on the biblical principles underlying A.A. and of
which both Bill and Dr. Bob had frequently spoken. See Turning Point: A
History of Early A.A.'s Spiritual Roots and Successes.]

Article 4     top of page  
"Quotable Quotes for AA History Buffs" 
[A commendable effort was begun by a group calling itself "A.A. History
Buffs." And some good historical material has found its way into that
group's efforts. However, it was and is "governed" by a moderator who
excludes Christianity, the Bible, "preaching," and other sins of AAs
from the historical exchanges. Challenged by this censorship, Dick dashed
off these quotes for the buffs to show them and others how much they
were missing by settling for half a loaf of history. The "quotables" are
the quotes the moderator didn't seem to like very much. See The Oxford
Group and Alcoholics Anonymous; The Good Book and The Big Book;
and Anne Smith's Journal.] 
Editor LDP Notes:  Aug 2002 This Group is Now Closed and no longer operating!

Article 5a     top of page   
A Good Question by a Good Writer-My Quest for AA History
[What's the purpose of it all? Where is all this going? Where does it all
end? As author Dick B. enters his 12th year of research and completes his
19th title on the history of early A.A.'s spiritual roots, we return to a
question by Hazelden author Mel B. He asked Dick a while back just what was
going on. The answer was and is: A.A. itself has no history of its real
spiritual roots in the Bible, nor of the contributing sources in Quiet Time,
the journal of Dr. Bob's wife (Anne Smith), the teachings of Rev. Sam
Shoemaker, the life-changing program of the Oxford Group, and the large
quantity of Christian materials about the Bible that early AAs read and
circulated. There's no need to ask why. After more than sixty-five years, it
's obvious that A.A. itself is not going to research, dig out, write up, or
publish this material. Dick B. tells how his quest started, where it has led
him, and how it will end when enough truth has been disseminated to
establish the power of the Creator, the use of the Bible, and the nature of
the Christian fellowship of early A.A. Comprehensive details can be found in
Dick B.'s Turning Point]

Article 5b     top of page 
A Review of Earliest A.A.’s Roots

[Today's A.A. is far different from the A.A. developed in Akron by Akron
Number One (the first A.A. group). What you see in the publications, hear at
the conventions, and talk about at meetings bears no resemblance to the
seven point biblical program reported out by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.'s
associate Frank Amos in 1938. And enthusiasm for the truth has grown by
leaps and bounds among members, historians, scholars, and writers in the
last decade. Here author Dick B. provides a brief sketch of what A.A.
borrowed from the Bible, what it did with devotionals like The Upper Room,
what it learned from Dr. Bob's wife, what Rev. Sam Shoemaker taught Bill
Wilson, what parts of the Oxford Group life-changing program were codified
in A.A.'s Big Book and Steps, and what the Christian literature of the day
may have added to the Christian fellowship, the Bible studies, and the "old
fashioned prayer meetings" of the pioneer Akron program. For the overview
details, see Dick B.'s The Akron Genesis of A.A.].

Article 6     top of page    
Our Creator and Early A.A.The Pioneers Found Him: Have We Lost Him?
[Dick B. was struck with the fact that so many A.A. meetings begin with
a recitation from Chapter Five and include, "But there is One with all
power. That One is God. May you find Him now!" This shortie asks the
question, "The Pioneers Found Him: Have We Lost Him?" The answer, of
course, is not that God is lost or that AAs can't find Him. It's that
substitute gods within treatment, literature, and even meetings have
offered different "gods" and truly confused the newcomer about God
Almighty--our Creator. See That Amazing Grace and The Golden Text of
A.A.]

Article Seven Part One     top of page 
AA.’s Roots in the Bible
The Parts Dr. Bob Considered "Absolutely Essential" 
Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount  web page and printable pdf
[This part begins again the factual presentation you'll find in so many
of Dick B.'s titles and articles. It plunges into deeper detail on
exactly what AAs incorporated into their program from the sermon on the
mount. This means from the philosophy of the sermon ("do unto others,"
"love thy neighbor," "Thy will be done") to the Lord's Prayer to the
specifics on anonymity, judging, and "first things first." See The Good
Book and The Big Book, By the Power of God, Why Early A.A. Succeeded,
Turning Point, and The Akron Genesis of A.A.]

Article Seven - Part Two    top of page  
A.A.’s Roots in the Bible Part II The Parts Dr. Bob Considered "Absolutely Essential" 
[Early AAs wanted to call their fellowship "The James Club." This
because they felt it was their favorite Bible book and source. For the
first time, Dick presented an answer to the question so many have asked:
"What did we borrow from the Book of James?" Specifics on "faith without
works" and "grudges" and "confession" and "guidance are given. You can
answer the question. See appendix in Why Early A.A. Succeeded]

Article Seven - Part Three     top of page  
A.A.’s Roots in the Bible Part III  The Parts Dr. Bob Considered "Absolutely Essential
[Dr. Bob said A.A. was really about "love and service." And no clearer
statement of the "principles" of the program can be found than the
verses in 1 Corinthians 13. Again, for the first time, Dick shows the
specifics on what the famous "love" chapter by Paul introduced into
A.A.'s thinking and practice--patience, kindness, love, etc. See By the
Power of God.]

Article 8    top of page  
Starting Your Journey "God"  As Early AA's Did Understand Him
[This article marks the beginning of what will be most of Dick B.'s work
for the balance of his research and writing life. It points out that
early AAs DID understand God, that they did use the word "Creator" with
complete understanding. And it suggests that the place to start in
understanding A.A., "spirituality," recovery, and deliverance is with
what the Good Book says about God Almighty. You'll know precisely what
the Bible tells us about God's nature and promises. Genesis 1:1 begins
with the beginning--Who created and what was created. That's power! And
Dick says so]

Article Article Nine Part One     top of page 
Anne  Ripley Smith "Mother of A.A." 
[Dick has always regarded the contents of Anne Smith's Journal as the
most important find in his 11 years of research. A.A. expressions fairly
leap at you from Anne's notes. The Bible, Oxford Group, and
life-changing concepts show how much she influenced A.A. thinking and
language. This first article introduces you to this most-forgotten early
A.A. founder. See Anne Smith's Journal]

Article Nine Part Two    top of page  
Anne  Ripley Smith "Mother of A.A." 
[Now Dick plunges into the journal kept by Dr. Bob's wife. There's lots
more to come. But this article will give you specifics on how and what
Anne wrote and shared with the early AAs and their families. The
materials give strong suggestion that Bill (during his summer stay with
the Smiths in 1935) may well have picked up from Anne's teachings a good
amount of A.A. language later used in the Big Book and Steps. And he
certainly picked up lots of fodder for the discussions he and Dr. Bob
had into the wee hours of the morning during the three months A.A.'s
real "Program" was developing in a sound and positive way. See Anne
Smith's Journal]
 

Article 10    top of page 
So I Stand Near the Door–
 The Reverend Canon Samuel Moor Shoemaker, Jr., D.D., S.T.D 
An Apologia For My Life [Back to Sam Shoemaker goes Dick. He
discovered the real source and language of Sam's famed "apologia."
Sam stood by the door through which man can find God. See
Revelation 3:20. This is a brief look at Sam's avowed mission
 in the church and in life]

Article 11    top of page  
A Day with the Akron AA Pioneers
 [You'll never feel the same about the expression, "Just don't drink and
go to meetings." The answer lies in the difference between the spiritual
recovery program developed by 40 pioneers in Akron A.A. and the
substitute jargon you hear when God is left out and half-baked
suggestions are substituted. Dick introduces specifics about the simple
program of early Akron A.A.--the one that that produced the 75%
recoveries and the purpose of the Big Book's First Edition--to pass it
on! It's all documented. See The Akron Genesis of A.A. and Anne Smith's
Journal]

 

Article Twelve    top of page 
The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous  Part One
Part OneAnswering Your Questions Accurately and Definitely
[At last to the Oxford Group. Dick sometimes feels that this key root of
the A.A. life-changing program is mentioned primarily to enable its
destruction. More has been said against the Oxford Group than against
anything else in A.A. But if the critics knew precisely how detailed and
how ever-present the Oxford Group contribution to A.A. is, they'd be
flabbergasted with statements like "We learned from the Oxford Group
what not to do." If that's the case, then how about the twenty-eight
principles and almost 200 expressions in A.A. today that came directly
from the Group and are still with us. Just the facts, 'mam. See The
Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous; Good Morning!; and Utilizing
Early A.A.'s Spiritual Roots Today]

Article Thirteen    top of page 
A Look at Meditation in Early A.A. 062701 
If you don't know what "meditation" is, just hummmm or make fun of it.
That's what Dick B. found when he went to early meetings. And why?
Because AAs have lost the facts about early A.A. Quiet Time. A.A.'s
roots in the Bible, prayer, seeking guidance, and the use of devotionals
like The Upper Room and The Runner's Bible are easily documented. But
ignore them, as the historians have, and all you have is "one day at a
time," hmmmmm, or the reflections of sick people. Perhaps the most
important practice in early A.A. was true "meditation." And that meant
Bible study, prayer, and seeking guidance by believers. See Good
Morning.]

Article 14    top of page 
The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous Part Two
[Back to the Oxford Group again. Did they have Steps? No! Did A.A.'s get
"six" or "twelve" steps from the Oxford Group? No! Did AAs have any
steps at the time of their greatest success rate? No! Then start your
quest for facts with what the Oxford Group did have. With what it did
contribute. And with what the founders said about it. Here's an
introduction to those facts. See The Oxford Group and Alcoholics
Anonymous and New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A.]

Article 15 Part one     top of page 
The Creator, Any God, Not god, or Radiator-What's the AA Attraction
Part One What's the AA Attraction
[Dick gets to the nitty gritty of A.A. success or failure. Whether you
agree or disagree, you need to ask whether AAs are attracted to the one,
true, living God for deliverance. Or whether they really want to put
their trust in a "higher power" "any god" "not good" or a "radiator." In
Dick's experience and from the successes he's seen within the
fellowship, there is only one answer--the original "attraction" in A.A.
was the power of God. The power of the Creator. The power of Yahweh. The
One they called "Heavenly Father." They said so. And we need to know it.
See Why Early A.A. Succeeded, By the Power of God, and The Golden Text
of A.A.]

Article 16    top of page 
The Name of the Creator 
[Why would a Twelve Step group member of today be interested in the name of
the Creator? The answer is that recovery fellowships, writers, and
counselors have assigned "absurd names of God" (as Rev. Sam Shoemaker put
it). They have fashioned new "gods," inanimate objects, and self-made idols
as replacements for the one living and true God of the Bible. This has led
both to the abandonment of Almighty God as He was sought, found, known, and
understood in early A.A. It has meant credence for idolatry in groups which
have no idea what a "higher power" is, where it came from, and what to do
with it. Some even address prayers to "My Higher Power"-whatever that is.
With great care, author Dick B. spells out the very clear attributes of the
Creator, the reasons why Bill Wilson capitalized descriptions of Him such as
"Creator," "Maker," "Spirit," and the rest. And Dick makes a strong case for
alleviating the idolatry and confusion by understanding from the Bible
exactly who the Creator is and learning His name-the name He Himself
used-Yahweh. Elaboration can be found in Dick B.'s Why Early A.A. Succeeded,
The Good Book and The Big Book, God and Alcoholism, and Cured].

Article 17    top of page 
Learn What the Bible Says about the Creator
[Dr. Bob's wife Anne Smith rightly said, as did Dr. Bob on occasion, that
the Bible ought to be the main Source Book of all. And so it
should-particularly when it comes to learning about the Creator, our God
Yahweh. Much of the nonsense, and all of the nonsense gods of recovery,
would vanish forthwith if AAs were allowed by their publications to learn
the place, name, and attributes of the Creator, our God Yahweh in early A.A.
's Christian Fellowship and Bible studies. Provide a name for any president
of the United States, and everyone will know which president and who you are
talking about. Call someone a "president," and you could be talking about
the president of some Rotary Club, the president of a garbage company, the
president of the United Church of Christ, the president of Bank of America,
or the president of your homeowner association. Same with Almighty God.
Provide your people with His Name, Yahweh-the name He used to identify
Himself, and the name that appears thousands of times in Hebrew texts of the
Bible-and people will know to whom King David, Jesus Christ, the Apostle
Paul, Dr. Bob, Bill Wilson, Ebby Thacher, and you are praying to when you
ask for help in the name of His son, Jesus Christ. Author Dick B. lays it
out straight from the Bible. See God and Alcoholism].
Article 18    top of page 
The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous
Part Three

[There is no other research and writing like that of author Dick B. on the
Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous. Dick's The Oxford Group and
Alcoholics Anonymous: A Design for Living That Works, 2d ed. is one of the
top titles in demand out of his 19 published titles. It has been revised and
reprinted several times. It has also been acclaimed by many Oxford Group
activists of the early years such as Garth Lean (Buchman's biographer),
James and Eleanor Forde Newton (activists of the 1920's through 2000), and
A.A. friend and author T. Willard Hunter. To give you smaller bites, Dick
has prepared seven articles on the Oxford Group. This one gives you a taste
of the very words and phrases Bill Wilson borrowed from the Oxford Group and
put in the Big Book and Twelve Steps. You will instantly recognize the
"powerless," "manage me," "God is," "Power outside themselves," "Turning
Point," and other A.A./Oxford Group expressions]

Article 19a  top of page 
Roundtable Series on A.A.’s Biblical Roots
(November 2001) Part One

[At a recent A.A. History seminar held in Honolulu in November, 2001, author
Dick B. presented a much-awaited series of talks in a roundtable on A.A.'s
Biblical Roots. This Part One introduces the subject by pointing to reference works
which illuminate the subject. Next, it touches on the Bible verses, Oxford
Group writings, and Big Book expressions that make it plain early AAs
were talking about the Creator Yahweh, not some idol named "higher power."
 It shows how theCreator communicates with man directly, through angels,
 through prophets, through His Son, by revelation, and by the Bible. It
documents the Bible as the Word of God. It explains the place of Jesus
Christ in early A.A. It shows where "sin"-disobedience of God's commands"
 enters the picture; how man has a choice of obedience or disobedience;
how man can be delivered from the power of the devil; and the key to resisting
 the devil. See Dick B.'s The Good Book and The Big Book, Good Morning!,
The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous,Why Early A.A. Succeeded,
and By the Power of God]

 

Article 19b  top of page 
Roundtable Series on A.A.’s Biblical Roots
(November 2001) Part Two
[Probably the least researched, published, and discussed subject on early
A.A.'s biblical roots is Dr. Bob's own contributions to A.A. ideas from his
youth. Author Dick B. tackles this unique and virtually unknown material by
outlining what Dr. Bob said about his youth, his Christian church, and
Christian Endeavor. Then Dick review the statements by Dr. Bob's kids, by
Bill Wilson, and by A.A.'s own literature. He points to A.A.'s Quiet Time
origins with roots far earlier than those of the Oxford Group's "listening."
Then the author details the sources of information about Christian Endeavor,
its origins and size, its literature, its principles and practices, how
these can be traced into and found in Early A.A. This body of work is new to
the A.A. spiritual history scene. See Dick B.'s Dr. Bob and His Library, The
Books Early AAs Read for Spiritual Growth, By the Power of God, Good
Morning!, and Why Early A.A. Succeeded.]

Article 19c  top of page 
Roundtable Series on A.A.’s Biblical Roots
(November 2001) Part Three
Article 19c: Akron A.A. Pioneers, their "Program," and their Good Book,
Session Three
[Author Dick B. here pulls together the whole Akron biblical program. He
begins with Dr. Bob's remarks. He details Dr. Bob's training in the Bible
and in churches. He covers the biblical basics from which Dr. Bob and Bill
drew and points to the ideas from Dr. Bob's youth that were different from
those of the Oxford Group. Then Dick does an extensive review of the real,
basic problem: (1) The morning quiet time at Dr. Bob's home. (2) A segment
from Anne Smith's Journal to show what was shared. (3) Hospitalization. (4)
Daily meetings. (5) Input from Anne Smith and Henrietta Seiberling. (6)
Individual reading and study. (7) Religious comradeship. The author
highlights Akron's unique focus. As he puts it, "Simplicity was the watch
word. And prayer was the focus." He reviews Akron's "old fashioned prayer
meeting;" Bible reading; surrenders "upstairs;" Akron's special focus on
overcoming alcoholism (as differing from New York Oxford Group activities); fellowship socializing; Frank Amos's report on the 7 point Akron program; and then an extremely valuable and extensive Appendix, titled "A Look at 'Meditation' in Early A.A." For those specifically interested in the
original program, as it was fashioned and tested in Akron, and as Dr. Bob
and the pioneers described it, this article is timely and tops.]

Article 19d  top of page  
Roundtable Series on A.A.’s Biblical Roots
Roundtable Series on A.A.’s Biblical Roots
(November 2001) Part Four
[A.A.'s Bible roots mean very little if one cannot document their importance
in early A.A., their importance to recovery today, and where-if
anywhere-they have wound up. Author Dick B. deals with the point head on. He
points to his own need in early sobriety for much more information about
God, the Bible, and how to receive God's help. He shows the beginnings in
Ebby's declaration to Bill that "God has done for me what I could not do for
myself." He shows how Wilson failed to convey this message on his own. He
then details the importance of Dr. Bob's training and studies in fashioning
the Akron techniques and message. He suggests how we can "do" the early
program successfully today, pointing to the expressions of Anne Smith that
"You can't give away something you do not have" and "You have to give it
away to keep it." He then points to the portion of the Bible that gave the
pioneers what they had, just how it was transmitted to Bill, and what
happened when it was dropped from the Big Book and Twelve Steps. Dick
underlines the beliefs of Lois Wilson that A.A. should not be Christian, of
Bill Wilson in New Age and New Thought ideas such as "Higher Power" and
"fourth dimension," and of today's AAs in "light bulbs." Dick stresses that
today's A.A.'s can choose the Creator, our God Yahweh, if they choose, and
reject the false "gods" that have crept into recovery. See Dick B.'s Turning
Point, The Golden Text of A.A., and Cured!]

 

Article 20   top of page 
Oxford Group Articles Part Four 
The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous
  [In his series of seven articles on the Oxford Group impact on A.A., Dick
calls this fourth article the "mid-point" pause. For the first time, he
outlines the difference between the Oxford Group activities of Rev. Sam
Shoemaker on the East Coast-that influenced Wilson and impacted on New York
A.A. and the activities of the "alcoholic squad of the Oxford Group" in
Akron. He pulls up the new title by Dr. Morris Martin, Always a Little
Further, which shows some features of the Oxford Group not previously
revealed or understood. Dr. Martin was almost literally the "power of
attorney" agent of Dr. Frank Buchman for 25 years. And you can see some
startling additions to Akron A.A. by Bill Wilson as he picked up ideas from
William James and Sam Shoemaker. Dick quotes language from the Twelve Steps
that quite clearly was influenced by Sam Shoemaker's teachings and Oxford
Group circle on the East Coast. They can help you understand A.A.'s own
ideas and language much better. See Dick B.'s New Light on Alcoholism: God,
Sam Shoemaker, and A.A. and The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous.]

Article 21   top of page 
Alcoholics Anonymous Its Real Oxford Group Connection 20 years of Input 
The Oxford Group is not the only source of A.A.’s principles, practices, and language. The Bible is the major source. Quiet Time, the teachings of Reverend Sam Shoemaker, the materials in Anne Smith’s Journal, and the Christian literature A.A. pioneers read are all of major significance. And we have written at length on them elsewhere in books, articles, and seminars. Moreover, one needs to note the difference between A.A.’s Akron root (where A.A. was born) and A.A.’s New York origins (where Bill Wilson received many specific Oxford Group ideas). Both Akron and New York alcoholics were conversant with the Oxford Group, but not all looked at it in the same way. Dr. Bob saw it as a source of ideas. Bill Wilson tended to see it as a program that led to a relationship with God. The real picture, the real connection, and the real facts lie in between.  A.A. is not the Oxford Group. And, most assuredly, the Oxford Group is not A.A. In fact, the development of the Oxford Group since publication of the Big Book has taken Oxford Group activities to a totally different place than it took A.A. in the period about 1938, just before the Big Book was written. T he real Oxford Group Connection with A.A. lies in the 28 principles that impacted on  A.A.’s Steps, Big Book, and Fellowship. The Oxford Group input came between 1919 and 1938. Most of its ideas were gathered from revivalists of the 1800's–people like Moody, Mott, Drumond, and Speer. Its principal literature of impact consisted of “Soul Surgery,” the writings of Rev. Sam Shoemaker, the life-changing books recommended by Dr. Bob’s wife, the doctrinal books such as “The Principles of the Group,” the Bible study and prayer literature, biographical accounts of Frank Buchman’s life, recent writings by oldtimers, and the books of critics whose comments caused defense books.

  Editor LD "P" Notes: Dick wrote this article in response to an article floating around the internet called the Oxford Group Connection. Though-good it is filled with factual errors. Dick wrote this new Oxford Group Connection to set the record straight.

Article 22  top of page 
Some Higher Power Homework - Part One
Where did “higher power” come from. Explores the Good Book, God’s commandment that we have no other gods before Him, God’s own status as the “Most High,” the “Highest,” and the Great Lord of great power. Shows that Wilson and Smith were speaking only of the Creator, as named and described in the Bible. Suggests the new thought/ Oxford Group sources (Trine, James, McComb, and Victor Kitchen) for research.

 Article 23    top of page
Some Higher Power Homework - Part Two
Quotes the writings that gave rise to “higher-power-ism”–those of Ralph Waldo Trine, William James, Worcester and McComb and Coriat, and Victor Kitchen. Points to comment of Norman Vincent Peale that the only “Higher Power” is Almighty God.

 Article 24    top of page
What is “a Power greater than ourselves?”–a new “god” or the Creator
Dick B.’s own experience with a sponsee, a tree, and Almighty God. Wilson’s limitation of the phrase to “God” until he wrote in the 12 x 12 that it could be a “group.” Quotes the A.A. revisionists who have defined the “power” as “a Coke bottle,” “God within us,” Jesus, the deities of Greek mythology, “God in AA’s image,” “any power,” “Good Orderly Direction,” and “that which keeps me sober.” Then the author shows the usage of Rev. Sam Shoemaker and several Oxford Group writers who made it clear that the power was of God, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

 Article 25    top of page
 “God as we understood Him”  
 An alleged compromise that opened the door.
The roots of A.A. make it clear that God “as we understood Him” was a historic carry-over from the words of Rev. Sam Shoemaker in several Oxford Group books. The phrase was not suggested by Jimmy Burwell, but rather came out of a meeting where it was inserted to please Hank Parkhurst. It created no stir. It had often been used by Shoemaker. And it simply referred to a “surrender of as much of yourself as you understand to as much of God as you understand.” And Bill Wilson’s remarks made that clear. Dr. Bob’s wife used similar language for the Creator

 Article 26    top of page 
May you find God now raises the issue: Are we still seeking Him

The author’s experience with believers, including himself, who get shot down either openly or with gossip when they mention God, Jesus, or the Bible at fellowship meetings.

Asks whether it is open season on religion in A.A. as a replacement for finding God. Raises the question whether the “universalization” of the A.A. program results in offering a “higher power something” for everybody and little promise of success for anybody. Dick B. calls for a return to “Old School” A.A. where God was the power, the Bible was the truth, and “thy will be done” was the standard. Points to God as the pioneers were reading about Him in the Good Book–Yahweh, the Creator, Almighty God, our Maker, Our Father, and the living God, our Heavenly Father. These were the words of early A.A.

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The Books and Materials Early AAs Read.

 Takes a good look at the extent, diversity, and variety of religious books the pioneers read. Reviews Dr. Bob’s own comments about his Christian training and Bible study. Lists the subjects of special interest to Dr. Bob: Bible, books about the Bible, Christian classics, books on the life of Christ, Bible devotionals, books on prayer, books on healing, books on the sermon on the mount, books on love, the Oxford Group and Shoemaker books, Quiet Time books, the works of Carl Jung and William James, and other popular Christian literature. Lists the author’s bibliographies of the specific books. Quotes oldtimers on what they read. Points to subjects such as finding God, defining spiritual experiences, understanding God, knowing God’s will, moral standards, quiet time and meditation, life-changing, effective witness, and fellowship.

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 AA. , Reverend Shoemaker, and the Oxford Group, as Bill W. saw them.
Part One

Part One analyzes the similarities and differences of approach between Oxford Group founder Dr. Frank Buchman and Rev. Sam Shoemaker, his chief American lieutenant. Reviews Sam Shoemaker’s first significant writing, which set the stage for ideas Bill incorporated into A.A. Chapter by chapter, it speaks of “spiritual longing” and finding God, “sin,” “conversion,” “The Way Jesus Christ Helps,” “Continuance,” the “Morning Watch,” and witnessing. Shows that Sam mentioned and believed all the Oxford Group ideas.

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 A.A., Reverend Shoemaker, and the Oxford Group, as Bill saw them.
Part Two 

Part Two begins with Sam Shoemaker’s influence on A.A.’s Akron beginnings with the Firestones and Sam’s continued role through the early years. Urges the importance of seeing Sam’s role as the writer whose materials most resembled Wilson’s Big Book language. Reviews Sam Shoemaker’s apparent contributions to each of the first six Steps. Challenges the reader to research the last six.

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Alcoholism–A Cure: The God Factor 

Reviews the place of the Creator Yahweh, our God, in the language of Lincoln, Washington, our currency and coins, Dr. Bob, Bill Wilson, the Grapevine, Liberty Magazine, Rev. Harry Emerson Fosdick, Shoemaker, Fr. Dowling, Sr. Ignatia, and Dr. Peale. Specifies the Bible verses that demonstrate beyond a doubt that nothing is impossible with Yahweh, the Almighty God, who heals all diseases. Argues that pride, “self-sufficiency,” and unbelief were not enough for the alcoholic cure. Points to the specific statements of Dr. Bob, Bill Wilson, A.A. Number Three, Dr. Silkworth, Clarence Snyder, and Sam Shoemaker that God can heal alcoholics and bring about a real cure.

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The Four Absolutes - Their Source, Application, and Significance 

Shows the exact origin of the Four Absolutes in the teachings of Jesus, the writings of Dr. Robert Speer, the expansion of the ideas by Professor Henry B. Wright, and the adoption of these standards by Dr. Bob, Bill Wilson, and Anne Smith in their writings. Illustrates how the absolutes were used in pioneer A.A. Documents each of the four standards in the writings of Speer, Wright, and the Big Book. Provides a bibliography of these writings.

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The Four Absolutes - More Revealed (Anne Smith’s views)

 Discussion of the absolutes by Anne Ripley Smith (Dr. Bob’s wife) in her journal and teachings. Shows the origin of the “moral” inventory as tested by adherence to the four standards. Demonstrates the utility of knowing how Dr. Bob referred to the absolutes as “yardsticks,” how Bill converted to inventory to an examination for moral negatives, and how Anne used the expression of “honesty with God, myself, and others.” Shows how Anne looked to the Bible, to God’s guidance, and to study for the answers. Urges a look at Anne Smith’s Journal for greater understanding of the Four Absolutes.

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The Four Absolutes - Still More Revealed

 Covers the importance of Henry B. Wright’s “The Will of God and a Man’s Lifework.” And the importance of Reverend Harry Almond’s “Foundations for Faith” for a documentation of how the Four Absolutes were used in connection with Dr. Buchman’s “soul surgery” where “Sin was the problem. Jesus Christ was the cure. And the result was a miracle.” These points illustrate a real origin of the ideas behind the Fourth Step Inventory–identifying and cutting out “sin.” Reviews Oxford Group books to show how “making the moral test” as defined in H.A. Walter’s “Soul Surgery” made the idea of self-examination using the four standards became a process of genuine practical value in Christian development. Shows how the idea that “Christianity has a moral backbone”–as spelled out in Russell’s “For Sinners Only”–invited A.A.’s entire Fourth Step process to be adopted.

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“More Quotable Quotes for A.A. History Buffs”

 Returns to one of Dick B.’s favorites–using quotes by the A.A. founders to illustrate some of the basic roots of A.A.’s spiritual program of recovery. Deals with “thy will be done,” “faith without works is dead, “Lord manage me,” “First Things First,” “surrender to as much of God as you understand,” “act as if,” “God gave us two ears and one mouth,” “The palest ink is stronger than the best memory,” “love thy neighbor,” “not who’s right, but what’s right, “confess your faults one to another,” and “where God guides, He provides.”

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“A.A. and The Five C’s–A Root from Soul Surgery”

 Shows the real heart of the New York A.A. program, as Bill Wilson extracted it from the Oxford Group in general and the teachings of Sam Shoemaker in particular. Reminds of Bill’s own specification of the sources. Documents the Biblical roots of the idea of cutting out or eliminating “blocks to God” as A.A. and the Oxford Group called them. Reviews some major contributions by Anne Smith, Quiet Time, the Oxford Group, Sam Shoemaker, and the Christian literature. Points to Anne’s remark that turning to the “group” instead of “Christ” is a “funk hole.” Urges that many distorted and confusing ideas in our fellowship can be untangled if and when one uses the tools of A.A. history.