A letter of thanks we just wrote to a website containing fine information about early A.A.
Thank you for running the A.A. information on Bill W.'s Christian upbringing as a youngstger in Vermont. There has been so much omission, distortion, and misrepresentation about Bill's grandparents, parents, and Bill himself and their involvement in the East Dorset Congregational Church. We spent a great deal of time in that church verifying the sermons, the creed, the records of the Wilsons and the Griffiths. We also dug out the ample material on Bill's Bible reading in East Dorset, and then on Bill's 4 year Bible course at Burr and Burton in Manchester where he also attended daily chapel, weekly church at Manchester Congregational Church, Bible study, and the YMCA of which he was president. There is also his grandfather Willie's conversion experience at the top of Mount Aeolus where grandpa Willie cried out to God for help, had a white light experience, rushed to the little church and its pulpit, declared that he was saved, and never drank again for the remaining 8 years of his life--a story which Bill W. heard many many times from his mother. Most of these are detailed and documented in The Conversion of Bill W., www.dickb.com/conversions.shtml.
So many dispute the whole religious background that Bill had, seemingly because they think it might be construed as promoting the idea that A.A. today is a Christian Fellowship==which it is not. Because of the Christian background of Bill W., Dr. Bob, and A.A. Number Three Bill D., A.A. originally was drawn primarily from the Bible--particularly the Book of James, Jesus' Semon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians 13. It was called a "Christian Fellowship." Its principles and practices very closely patterned the Christian Endeavor Society of Bob's youth in Vermont. That meant conversions, prayer meetings, Bible study, Quiet Time and devotions, reading of Christian literature, and use of daily Christian devotionals. And that A.A. worked! With great success.
God Bless, Dick B.
Showing posts with label 12 Steps Big Book Bill W. AA History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 12 Steps Big Book Bill W. AA History. Show all posts
Friday, September 9, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Cal Sep 17 Costa Mesa Summit Contributors
International Christian Recovery Coalition
North American Christian Recovery Summit
The Crossing Church , Costa Mesa , California
Host
The Crossing Church , Costa Mesa , California
Endorsers
The Wilson House Griffith Library, East Dorset , Vermont
The Dr. Bob Core Library, North Congregational Church UCC, St. Johnsbury , Vermont
Ray G., former archivist, managing director; traveling archives, Dr. Bob’s Home, Akron
Benefactors
Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors Institute, Redlands , California
Bob J., Recovered philanthropist, Kihei, Maui , Hawaii
Episcopal Diocese of Texas Recovery Committee, Austin , Texas
Hazelden Publishing and Educational Services, division of Hazelden Foundation , Minnesota
Jeff and Debra Jay, Authors and Intervention Specialists, Grosse Point , Michigan
New Life Spirit Recovery, Huntington Beach , California
Rick S. Long Recovered Christian A.A., California
Rock Recovery Ministries, ABC Sober Living, Soledad House, San Diego
United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence, New York , NY
Exhibitors
Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors Institute, Redlands , CA
Hazelden Publishing and Educational Services, Center City , MN
New Life Spirit Recovery, Huntington Beach , CA
United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence, New York , NY
Panel Speakers
Bobby Nicholl, San Juan Capistrano , California
Roger Mc Diarmid, Huntington Beach , California
Rev. Randy Moraitis, California
Wally Lowe, Vero Beach , Florida
Jeff MacLeod, Whittier , California
Dr. Robert T. Tucker , Huntington Beach , California
Dale Marsh, Oroville , California
Jerry McDonald, Rancho Mirage, California
Dr. William D. Silkworth, the Christian, Bill Wilson, and Jesus Christ
Here are some important quotes and sources on Dr. William D. Silkworth, Silkworth the Christian, Silkworth-Bill Wilson-Jesus Christ
1.The key item is:
Dale Mitchel, Silkworth: The Little Doctor Who Loved Drunks (Center City , Minn.
2. Here are a few of the statements in the Silkworth biography for your consideration--and there are more.
The first is found on page 10:
The first is found on page 10:
As a republican Presbyterian from a small town, he [Silkworth] had never before [i.e., before he arrived at Princeton University
Footnote 7 on pages 219-20 states:
The importance of Silkworth's . . . religious standing would later play a role in the development of Alcoholics Anonymous. During a time of great AA growth, Silkworth was consulted by Bill Wilson as to the impact the Catholics might have with full involvement in AA. These discussions eventually led to one of Silkworth's most admired works, published in 1950 as "The Prevention of Alcoholism: A Challenge to the Catholic Clergy."
Here is a second statement found on page 10:
When Silkworth was a young boy, his father had impressed upon him the requirement for complete abstinence for success in life. His father had seen the ravages of alcoholism while serving in the army during the Civil War. Also, his father had been a follower of Thomas Francis Marshall, a man growing in national stature as a temperance speaker. Once a senator from Kentucky , Marshall New York
Here is another statement on pages 11-12:
Silkworth's family remembers him as a deeply spiritual man, yet unsatisfied with any particular denomination. A devout Christian, he initially fit well into the temperance mind-set developing across the country. For years he attended a church that would also have an impact on the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Calvary Christian (Episcopal) Church.
For those who want to know even more about Dr. Silkworth, the Christian, and Bill Wilson's friends, Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr. and Dr. Norman Vicent Peale, there is information on Dr. Peale and Silkworth and Jesus Christ in: (1) The Silkworth biography cited above. (2) Norman Vincent Peale's The Positive Power of Jesus Christ. (3) Dick B., The Conversion of Bill W. www.dickb.com/conversion.shtml.
Labels: A.A. Christian sources, AA History, Bill W., Silkworth and A.A., Silkworth of Rev. Shoemaker
Monday, September 5, 2011
Anti--A.A., Shop-worn Arguments about Chrstians, Christianity, and the Bible
There are several shop-worn arguments that A.A. is not Christian because its co-founders allegedly were not Christians. The first argument is correct. The second has no merit whatever and endeavors to mislead Christians in A.A.
Certainly careful research over 21 years has untangled the several viciously anti-A.A. and absurd purportedly "Christian" contentions.. First, start with two recent titles that contain evidentiary evidence about the cofounders. The first is Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous www.dickb.com/drbobofaa.shtml. The second is The Conversion of Bill W. www.dickb.com/conversion.shtml.
Those who claim A.A. is not Christian today are absolutely right. That fact was settled when--four years after the early A.A. Christian Fellowship was founded in 1935--atheists and agnostics (and later those of many religions, no religions, or with no belief whatever) were invited to become participants and did so.
A.A. today is not Christian. It is diverse. But there are tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of Christians who are actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. More and more, as the facts are being unearthed and published about ther early A.A. Christian Fellowship and about the Christian upbringing of young Bob Smith and Bill Wilson, Christians--who occasionally are rebuked in A.A. meetings--are standing tall on their clear right to believe what they believe, worship where they wish, read the Bible or whatever they wish. In short, Christians in the recovery arena--in A.A. and 12 Step fellowships--are not alone. www.ChristianRecoveryFellowship.com.
Those few who claim neither Blll nor Bob was a Christian are far far far from the facts and truth. In simple, easily verified terms, the older founder Dr. Bob was-- with his family, Sunday school, church, Bible study, prayer meetings, YMCA connections, daily chapel, and activity in the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor--a lifelong Christian. The facts are documented in The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide, 3rd ed., 2010, www.dickb.com.
To keep it simple, Bill Wilson, after being told by Dr. Silkworth that Jesus Christ, the "Great Physician" could cure him, and after being told by his friend Ebby that Ebby had been converted to God by making a decision for Jesus Christ at Calvary Rescue Mission and had stoped drinking, Bill followed suit. Bill went to the Calvary Mission, made a decision for Jesus Christ, wrote that, "for sure I had been born again," and--with Dr. Bob--insisted that every single early A.A. profess a belief in God, and establish a relationship with Him by making a decision for Jesus Christ in an A.A. meeting in Akron.
See www.dickb.com/titles.shtml.
Certainly careful research over 21 years has untangled the several viciously anti-A.A. and absurd purportedly "Christian" contentions.. First, start with two recent titles that contain evidentiary evidence about the cofounders. The first is Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous www.dickb.com/drbobofaa.shtml. The second is The Conversion of Bill W. www.dickb.com/conversion.shtml.
Those who claim A.A. is not Christian today are absolutely right. That fact was settled when--four years after the early A.A. Christian Fellowship was founded in 1935--atheists and agnostics (and later those of many religions, no religions, or with no belief whatever) were invited to become participants and did so.
A.A. today is not Christian. It is diverse. But there are tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of Christians who are actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. More and more, as the facts are being unearthed and published about ther early A.A. Christian Fellowship and about the Christian upbringing of young Bob Smith and Bill Wilson, Christians--who occasionally are rebuked in A.A. meetings--are standing tall on their clear right to believe what they believe, worship where they wish, read the Bible or whatever they wish. In short, Christians in the recovery arena--in A.A. and 12 Step fellowships--are not alone. www.ChristianRecoveryFellowship.com.
Those few who claim neither Blll nor Bob was a Christian are far far far from the facts and truth. In simple, easily verified terms, the older founder Dr. Bob was-- with his family, Sunday school, church, Bible study, prayer meetings, YMCA connections, daily chapel, and activity in the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor--a lifelong Christian. The facts are documented in The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide, 3rd ed., 2010, www.dickb.com.
To keep it simple, Bill Wilson, after being told by Dr. Silkworth that Jesus Christ, the "Great Physician" could cure him, and after being told by his friend Ebby that Ebby had been converted to God by making a decision for Jesus Christ at Calvary Rescue Mission and had stoped drinking, Bill followed suit. Bill went to the Calvary Mission, made a decision for Jesus Christ, wrote that, "for sure I had been born again," and--with Dr. Bob--insisted that every single early A.A. profess a belief in God, and establish a relationship with Him by making a decision for Jesus Christ in an A.A. meeting in Akron.
See www.dickb.com/titles.shtml.
Monday, August 29, 2011
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Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Original, Seven-Point, Akron A.A. Program--to be quoted and discussed at our California Summit Conferences
The Original, Seven-Point, Akron A.A. Program
In February 1938, before work began on the first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., dispatched his agent, Frank Amos, to Akron to investigate what Amos referred to as the “self-styled Alcoholic Group of Akron, Ohio.” In his report to Mr. Rockefeller on the results of his investigation, Amos included a description of the original, seven-point, Alcoholics Anonymous program that Bill W. and Dr. Bob began developing over the summer of 1935. The following is a discussion of that Amos report, including the description of the original Akron A.A. “Program,” found on pages 130-31 of the A.A. General Service Conference-approved book DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers (New York, N.Y.: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 1980):
In meeting with a number of the men, their wives, and “in some cases, their mothers,” Mr. Amos heard varying stories, “many of them almost miraculous.” He noted, however, that when it came to recovery, they were all remarkably alike in “the technique used and the system followed.” He described the “Program” as follows:
“1. An alcoholic must realize that he is an alcoholic, incurable from a medical viewpoint, and that he must never drink anything with alcohol in it.
“2. He must surrender himself absolutely to God, realizing that in himself there is no hope.
“3. Not only must he want to stop drinking permanently, he must remove from his life other sins such as hatred, adultery, and others which frequently accompany alcoholism. Unless he will do this absolutely, Smith and his associates refuse to work with him.
“4. He must have devotions every morning—a “quiet time” of prayer and some reading from the Bible and other religious literature. Unless this is faithfully followed, there is grave danger of backsliding
“5. He must be willing to help other alcoholics get straightened out. This throws up a protective barrier and strengthens his own willpower and convictions.
“6. It is important, but not vital, that he meet frequently with other reformed alcoholics and form both a social and a religious comradeship.
“7. Important, but not vital, that he attend some religious service at least once weekly.”
Mr. Amos said, “All the above is being carried out faithfully by the Akron group, and not a day passes when there is not one or more new victims to work on, with Smith as their leader by common consent.”
Stressing Dr. Bob's importance in the work at Akron, Frank Amos went on to note that even though there were other able men in the group, they all looked to Dr. Bob for leadership.
In February 1938, before work began on the first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., dispatched his agent, Frank Amos, to Akron to investigate what Amos referred to as the “self-styled Alcoholic Group of Akron, Ohio.” In his report to Mr. Rockefeller on the results of his investigation, Amos included a description of the original, seven-point, Alcoholics Anonymous program that Bill W. and Dr. Bob began developing over the summer of 1935. The following is a discussion of that Amos report, including the description of the original Akron A.A. “Program,” found on pages 130-31 of the A.A. General Service Conference-approved book DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers (New York, N.Y.: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 1980):
In meeting with a number of the men, their wives, and “in some cases, their mothers,” Mr. Amos heard varying stories, “many of them almost miraculous.” He noted, however, that when it came to recovery, they were all remarkably alike in “the technique used and the system followed.” He described the “Program” as follows:
“1. An alcoholic must realize that he is an alcoholic, incurable from a medical viewpoint, and that he must never drink anything with alcohol in it.
“2. He must surrender himself absolutely to God, realizing that in himself there is no hope.
“3. Not only must he want to stop drinking permanently, he must remove from his life other sins such as hatred, adultery, and others which frequently accompany alcoholism. Unless he will do this absolutely, Smith and his associates refuse to work with him.
“4. He must have devotions every morning—a “quiet time” of prayer and some reading from the Bible and other religious literature. Unless this is faithfully followed, there is grave danger of backsliding
“5. He must be willing to help other alcoholics get straightened out. This throws up a protective barrier and strengthens his own willpower and convictions.
“6. It is important, but not vital, that he meet frequently with other reformed alcoholics and form both a social and a religious comradeship.
“7. Important, but not vital, that he attend some religious service at least once weekly.”
Mr. Amos said, “All the above is being carried out faithfully by the Akron group, and not a day passes when there is not one or more new victims to work on, with Smith as their leader by common consent.”
Stressing Dr. Bob's importance in the work at Akron, Frank Amos went on to note that even though there were other able men in the group, they all looked to Dr. Bob for leadership.
Friday, August 12, 2011
The James Gang AA Study Group Atlanta Georgia
The James Gang
~ a fellowship of men and women
Search: http://thejamesgang11.wordpress.com/
AA-The James Club and A.A. Study Groups by Richard Burns, J.D. Dick B.
12FridayAug 2011
Posted by Kurt_P in AA History, Alcoholics Anonymous, Dick B., The James Club
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Tags
AA, AA History, Dick B., God, The James Club, The James Gang
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sponsors and Exhibitors at North American Christian Summit Conference Meeting # 1
Sponsors and Exhibitors
at
The North American Summit Conference Meeting #1
presented by
The International Christian Recovery Coalition
September 17, 2011
The Crossing Church, Costa Mesa, California
United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence
Rev. Cynthia W. Sloan, Program Associate
General Board of Global Ministries/SPSARV
1914 J.N. Pease Place
Charlotte, NC 28262
704-919-3553 or 866-944-3330 (toll free)
http://www.umspsarv.org/
Episcopal Diocese of Texas Recovery Committee
Fr. Bill Wigmore, Chaplain & Former President
Austin Recovery
8402 Cross Park Drive
Austin, TX. 78754
Tel: 512.697.8674
Email: RevBillW@gmail.com
website: www.AustinRecovery.org
New Life Spirit Recovery
Robert T. Tucker, Ph.D., D.Min., Registered Addiction Specialist (MCA) and (M-RAS)
Founder and Executive Director, New Life Spirit Recovery Christian Treatment Center
President, Association of Christian Alcohol & Drug Counseling (aka ACADC Institute)
18652 Florida Street, Suite 200
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 841.1906 or Call Toll Free (866) 543.3361
http://www.newlifespiritrecovery.com/OC_Recovery.html
Rock Recovery Ministry, ABC Sober Living, Soledad House
David Powers, Rock Church leader
810 Emerald Street
San Diego, CA 92109
Contact: david@abcsoberliving.com
619.925.1879
http://www.rockrecovery.org/
at
The North American Summit Conference Meeting #1
presented by
The International Christian Recovery Coalition
September 17, 2011
The Crossing Church, Costa Mesa, California
United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence
Rev. Cynthia W. Sloan, Program Associate
General Board of Global Ministries/SPSARV
1914 J.N. Pease Place
Charlotte, NC 28262
704-919-3553 or 866-944-3330 (toll free)
http://www.umspsarv.org/
Episcopal Diocese of Texas Recovery Committee
Fr. Bill Wigmore, Chaplain & Former President
Austin Recovery
8402 Cross Park Drive
Austin, TX. 78754
Tel: 512.697.8674
Email: RevBillW@gmail.com
website: www.AustinRecovery.org
New Life Spirit Recovery
Robert T. Tucker, Ph.D., D.Min., Registered Addiction Specialist (MCA) and (M-RAS)
Founder and Executive Director, New Life Spirit Recovery Christian Treatment Center
President, Association of Christian Alcohol & Drug Counseling (aka ACADC Institute)
18652 Florida Street, Suite 200
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 841.1906 or Call Toll Free (866) 543.3361
http://www.newlifespiritrecovery.com/OC_Recovery.html
Rock Recovery Ministry, ABC Sober Living, Soledad House
David Powers, Rock Church leader
810 Emerald Street
San Diego, CA 92109
Contact: david@abcsoberliving.com
619.925.1879
http://www.rockrecovery.org/
Monday, August 8, 2011
North American Summit Conferences in California - Details Available Right Now
For details about the 2 September 2011 International Christian Recovery Coalition's North American Summit Meetings in Costa Mesa, California and in Brentwood, California, go to the following:
http://dickb.com/ICRC/ICRC-North_American_Summit.shtml
Monday, August 1, 2011
Biography of Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous-Books to read
Monday, August 01, 2011
A Biography of "Dr. Bob," Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous
The definitive biography of Robert Holbrook Smith, M.D., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) has yet to be written. And we are working on that project right now.
In the meantime, here are excellent resources that tell bits and pieces about Dr. Bob of A.A. and his role in the history of A.A.
First, "Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous: His Excellent Training in the Good Book as a Youngster in Vermont" www.dickb.com/drbobofaa.shtml. This covers every aspect of Dr. Bob's bible training and how it was translated into early A.A. many years later in Akron. It covers Dr. Bob's boyhood house, his family, his Sunday School, his elementary school, the North Congregational Church of St. Johnsbury where the entire Smith family was active, the services and sermons of that church, the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor in that church and in which Dr. Bob was active--as were his parents Judge Walter P. Smith and Susan Holbrook Smith, his wife. It covers their activity in the YMCA--of which Judge Smith was president in St. Johnsbury. And it covers Dr. Bob's entire schooling in the Congregational Church led academy--St. Johnsbury Academy. There, Dr. Bob cut his teeth on important Christian and biblical ideas that shaped the early A.A. program. These included required daily chapel, required weekly church attendance, required Bible study, and a curriculum that covered Christian materials among many others.
Second, "Dr. Bob and His Library," 3rd ed. www.dickb.com/drbob.shtml. Dr. Bob was an avid reader and student of the Bible. And today's recovery community needs to know the vast amount of literature that Dr. Bob read, recommended, and circulated. It included books on the Bible, Jesus Christ, Christian healing, the Oxford Group, life-changing, Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker, and many devotionals such as The Upper Room and The Runner's Bible--both widely used in pioneer A.A.
Third, "The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous" www.dickb.com/Akron.shtml. This book shows the real origins and founding of A.A. in Akron, Ohio, and gives proper place to the roles of Dr. Bob and his wife Anne Smith in the process. This book is endorsed by family members, and by other noted A.A. historians.
Fourth, in 1980, Alcoholics Anonymous itself published "DR BOB and The Good Oldtimers" This book is still available. And it will start any student of A.A. on the road to knowledge of exactly how Dr. Bob spoke, led, and helped others--5000 of them--in the Akron program, which he called a "Christian Fellowship." Page 131 of this book provides an exact summary of the original program that achieved so much success in the late 1930's.
Fifth, no student of Dr. Bob's life should miss the exact transcript of his last major address to AAs in 1948 in Detroit. Here is where Dr. Bob made it plain that the basic ideas of A.A. came from the Bible, that early AAs considered the Book of James, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians 13 to be absolutely essential to their program. This pamphlet, numbered P-53 "The Co-Founders...." is A.A. General Conference-approved literature and, despite its vital importance, is often difficult to see or obtain at ordinary A.A. meetings.
There is much more on Dr. Bob and much more to be written. The foregoing should give any inquirer a sound, accurate, foundation of material on the unusual life of this co-founder of A.A.
Posted by Dick B. at 8:16 PM
Labels: A.A. and Dr. Bob's Christian upbringing, A.A.'s Dr. Bob, AA in Akron, Biography of A.A.'s Dr. Bob, Dr. Bob of A.A., Dr. Bob's youth, early A.A.'s Christian Fellowship in Akron
A Biography of "Dr. Bob," Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous
The definitive biography of Robert Holbrook Smith, M.D., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) has yet to be written. And we are working on that project right now.
In the meantime, here are excellent resources that tell bits and pieces about Dr. Bob of A.A. and his role in the history of A.A.
First, "Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous: His Excellent Training in the Good Book as a Youngster in Vermont" www.dickb.com/drbobofaa.shtml. This covers every aspect of Dr. Bob's bible training and how it was translated into early A.A. many years later in Akron. It covers Dr. Bob's boyhood house, his family, his Sunday School, his elementary school, the North Congregational Church of St. Johnsbury where the entire Smith family was active, the services and sermons of that church, the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor in that church and in which Dr. Bob was active--as were his parents Judge Walter P. Smith and Susan Holbrook Smith, his wife. It covers their activity in the YMCA--of which Judge Smith was president in St. Johnsbury. And it covers Dr. Bob's entire schooling in the Congregational Church led academy--St. Johnsbury Academy. There, Dr. Bob cut his teeth on important Christian and biblical ideas that shaped the early A.A. program. These included required daily chapel, required weekly church attendance, required Bible study, and a curriculum that covered Christian materials among many others.
Second, "Dr. Bob and His Library," 3rd ed. www.dickb.com/drbob.shtml. Dr. Bob was an avid reader and student of the Bible. And today's recovery community needs to know the vast amount of literature that Dr. Bob read, recommended, and circulated. It included books on the Bible, Jesus Christ, Christian healing, the Oxford Group, life-changing, Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker, and many devotionals such as The Upper Room and The Runner's Bible--both widely used in pioneer A.A.
Third, "The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous" www.dickb.com/Akron.shtml. This book shows the real origins and founding of A.A. in Akron, Ohio, and gives proper place to the roles of Dr. Bob and his wife Anne Smith in the process. This book is endorsed by family members, and by other noted A.A. historians.
Fourth, in 1980, Alcoholics Anonymous itself published "DR BOB and The Good Oldtimers" This book is still available. And it will start any student of A.A. on the road to knowledge of exactly how Dr. Bob spoke, led, and helped others--5000 of them--in the Akron program, which he called a "Christian Fellowship." Page 131 of this book provides an exact summary of the original program that achieved so much success in the late 1930's.
Fifth, no student of Dr. Bob's life should miss the exact transcript of his last major address to AAs in 1948 in Detroit. Here is where Dr. Bob made it plain that the basic ideas of A.A. came from the Bible, that early AAs considered the Book of James, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians 13 to be absolutely essential to their program. This pamphlet, numbered P-53 "The Co-Founders...." is A.A. General Conference-approved literature and, despite its vital importance, is often difficult to see or obtain at ordinary A.A. meetings.
There is much more on Dr. Bob and much more to be written. The foregoing should give any inquirer a sound, accurate, foundation of material on the unusual life of this co-founder of A.A.
Posted by Dick B. at 8:16 PM
Labels: A.A. and Dr. Bob's Christian upbringing, A.A.'s Dr. Bob, AA in Akron, Biography of A.A.'s Dr. Bob, Dr. Bob of A.A., Dr. Bob's youth, early A.A.'s Christian Fellowship in Akron
Sunday, July 31, 2011
New Dick B. YouTube Program on "Prayer and Meditation" - AA 11th Step
New Dick B. YouTube Channel Program features "prayer and meditation," "Quiet Hour," "Quiet Time," "Morning Watch" roots of A.A.'s Eleventh Step. Coming shortly. www.dickb.com/goodmorn.shtml
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
AA Big Book 1st Edition Reprint - Intro by Dick B. - to be released September 2011
First Edition Reprint by Dover Publications - with extensive introduction by Dick B. - has just reached us and will be released in September. It will open your eyes as to what the original A.A. program looked like when the personal stories were included in it. Thanks to Dover Publications
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The James Club and the Original A.A. Program's Absolute Essentials now in ebook smashwords
The James Club and The Original A.A. Program's Absolute Essentials
Ebook By Dick B
Published By first.edition.design.ebook.publishing
Rating: Not yet rated.
Published: July 26, 2011
Category: Non-Fiction » Self-Improvement » Addiction and recovery
Category: Non-Fiction » Religion and Spirituality » Christianity
Words: 52121 (approximate)
Language: English
Ebook Short Description
Early Akron AAs wanted "The James Club" to be the name of their fellowship. The Bible's Book of James was their favorite; they also studied it, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians 13. These three Bible segments were considered "absolutely essential" to their program. This book takes each verse in James, the Sermon, and 1 Cor 13, and shows the influence of such verses on A.A. language.
Extended Description
For years, A.A. has quietly acknowledged, primarily through one publication, that the early A.A. pioneers in Akron believed firmly that the answer to all their problems was in the "Good Book," as they called the Bible. A.A. cofounder Dr. Bob said that all the basic ideas were taken from their study of the Good Book. And he added many many times that the three parts of the Bible the old timers considered "absolutely essential" to their spiritual program of recovery were: (1) The Book of James. (2) Jesus's Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). (3) 1 Corinthians 13, Paul's famous chapter on "love."
You can find the foregoing remarks in A.A.'s DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, in pamphlets published by Akron AA, and in several talks given through the years by Dr. Bob himself. And it was even his co-founder friend Bill Wilson who spoke of the studies of James, the Sermon, and Corinthians; the reading of these passages by Dr. Bob's wife Anne to Bill and Bob; and the fact that--as Bill put it--"J... (Read more)
Tags
bible, sermon on the mount, aa history, 12 step program, big book, book of james, james club
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Ebook By Dick B
Published By first.edition.design.ebook.publishing
Rating: Not yet rated.
Published: July 26, 2011
Category: Non-Fiction » Self-Improvement » Addiction and recovery
Category: Non-Fiction » Religion and Spirituality » Christianity
Words: 52121 (approximate)
Language: English
Ebook Short Description
Early Akron AAs wanted "The James Club" to be the name of their fellowship. The Bible's Book of James was their favorite; they also studied it, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians 13. These three Bible segments were considered "absolutely essential" to their program. This book takes each verse in James, the Sermon, and 1 Cor 13, and shows the influence of such verses on A.A. language.
Extended Description
For years, A.A. has quietly acknowledged, primarily through one publication, that the early A.A. pioneers in Akron believed firmly that the answer to all their problems was in the "Good Book," as they called the Bible. A.A. cofounder Dr. Bob said that all the basic ideas were taken from their study of the Good Book. And he added many many times that the three parts of the Bible the old timers considered "absolutely essential" to their spiritual program of recovery were: (1) The Book of James. (2) Jesus's Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). (3) 1 Corinthians 13, Paul's famous chapter on "love."
You can find the foregoing remarks in A.A.'s DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, in pamphlets published by Akron AA, and in several talks given through the years by Dr. Bob himself. And it was even his co-founder friend Bill Wilson who spoke of the studies of James, the Sermon, and Corinthians; the reading of these passages by Dr. Bob's wife Anne to Bill and Bob; and the fact that--as Bill put it--"J... (Read more)
Tags
bible, sermon on the mount, aa history, 12 step program, big book, book of james, james club
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Thursday, July 21, 2011
Christian Upbringing of AA cofounders. Dick B. YouTube Program 14
Dick B. YouTube Program 14 - one of the best programs thus far. It covers a major part of the Christian Upbringing of Bill W. and Dr. Bob as youngsters in the Green State of Vermont. You can hear it and see the commentary right now!
http://goo.gl/tNYui
http://goo.gl/tNYui
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Christian Roots of AA
What are the Christian roots of A.A.? Strangely, there are some well financed websites, sites like psychoheresy, that claim there are no Christian roots of A.A. And they make many statements that just don't square with the actual Christian roots of A..
In brief, those Christian roots of A.A. (Alcoholics Anonyous) include the following:
1. The Salvation Army. See www.dickb.com/drbobofaa.shtml
2. The lay brethren of the YMCA. See www.dickb.com/drbobofaa.shtml
3. The great Christian evangelists like Dwight L. Moody, Ira Sankey, F.B. Meyer, Billy Sunday, and
Allen Folger.
4. The Christian Gospel Rescue Missions like those headed by Jerry McAuley, S.H. Hadley, and
Calvary Mission (where A.A. co-founder Bill W. and his "sponsor" Ebby T. made decisions
for Christ.
5. The Great Awakening of 1875 in St. Johnsbury, Verrmont (where A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob was
born and raised.
6. The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor of North Congregational Church of S Johnsbury
7. In St. Johnsbury, Vermont - where Dr. Bob was born and raised: (a) Devoted Congregationalist
parents who were Sunday school superintendents and teachers, as well as active in the church. (b)
Sunday school, sermons, prayer services, Bible studies. (c) Christian Endeavor (d) St. Johnsbury
Academy where Dr. Bob's parents were active and Dr. Bob took Christian studies, attended Daily
Chapel, required weekly church services and Bible study. (e) The YMCA of which Bob's father
was president - which was active in the church and in the Academy.
8. In East Dorset Vermont--where Bill W. was born and spent his youngest years: (a) East Dorset
Congregational Church and Sunday school and revivals (b) Bible studies by Bill with his
grandfather Griffith and his friend Mark Whalon.
9. In Manchester, Vermont--where Bill W. attended Burr and Burton Academy: (a) Daily chapel.
(b) Required weekly Bible study. (c) Required weekly attendance at Manchester Congregational
Church. (d) Bill's four-year Bible study course. (e) The presidency by Bill W. of the school YMCA
and of Bill's girl friend Bertha Bamford of the school YWCA and their joint participation
There are many more facets of the Christian roots of A.A. And these will be covered in the next presentation.
Dick B. dickb@dickb.com; www.dickb.com; www.ChristianRecoveryCoalition.com
-
In brief, those Christian roots of A.A. (Alcoholics Anonyous) include the following:
1. The Salvation Army. See www.dickb.com/drbobofaa.shtml
2. The lay brethren of the YMCA. See www.dickb.com/drbobofaa.shtml
3. The great Christian evangelists like Dwight L. Moody, Ira Sankey, F.B. Meyer, Billy Sunday, and
Allen Folger.
4. The Christian Gospel Rescue Missions like those headed by Jerry McAuley, S.H. Hadley, and
Calvary Mission (where A.A. co-founder Bill W. and his "sponsor" Ebby T. made decisions
for Christ.
5. The Great Awakening of 1875 in St. Johnsbury, Verrmont (where A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob was
born and raised.
6. The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor of North Congregational Church of S Johnsbury
7. In St. Johnsbury, Vermont - where Dr. Bob was born and raised: (a) Devoted Congregationalist
parents who were Sunday school superintendents and teachers, as well as active in the church. (b)
Sunday school, sermons, prayer services, Bible studies. (c) Christian Endeavor (d) St. Johnsbury
Academy where Dr. Bob's parents were active and Dr. Bob took Christian studies, attended Daily
Chapel, required weekly church services and Bible study. (e) The YMCA of which Bob's father
was president - which was active in the church and in the Academy.
8. In East Dorset Vermont--where Bill W. was born and spent his youngest years: (a) East Dorset
Congregational Church and Sunday school and revivals (b) Bible studies by Bill with his
grandfather Griffith and his friend Mark Whalon.
9. In Manchester, Vermont--where Bill W. attended Burr and Burton Academy: (a) Daily chapel.
(b) Required weekly Bible study. (c) Required weekly attendance at Manchester Congregational
Church. (d) Bill's four-year Bible study course. (e) The presidency by Bill W. of the school YMCA
and of Bill's girl friend Bertha Bamford of the school YWCA and their joint participation
There are many more facets of the Christian roots of A.A. And these will be covered in the next presentation.
Dick B. dickb@dickb.com; www.dickb.com; www.ChristianRecoveryCoalition.com
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Saturday, July 16, 2011
Dick B. YouTube Program 13 Now Running: The Great Evangelists and the Christian Upbringing of A.A.'s Dr. Bob
Click here for a fine introduction to the role that the Great Evangelists Allen Folger, Dwight L. Moody, and Ira D. Sankey played in the life of A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob. The first part of this subject is found on Dick B. YouTube Channel Program 13 -- now up and running for you to see. Clickl http://goo.gl/qzNqz
Friday, July 15, 2011
12 Step, Big Book, Bill W., A.A. History, Alcoholics Anonymous, Christian Recovery Links for You
Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kihei, Maui, Hawaii Posts: 450 |  Christian and Recovery Links for You Since we began our research, publishing, and dissemination work in 1990, we have established a large number of Christian and Recovery Links we would like you to know about. And here they are: Alcoholics Anonymous History: www.dickb.com Dick B.'s Personal A.A. History Blog: www.dickb-blog.com Dr. Bob Information: www.drbob.info Freedom Ranch Maui Incorporated: www.freedomranchmaui.org Dick B. Blog: www.mauihistorian.blogspot.com Dick B. YouTube Channel: http://goo.gl/rCtH6 Richard G. Burns/Dick B. Facebook Maui Historian Twitter International Christian Recovery Coalition: www.ChristianRecoveryCoalition.com International Christia Recovery Coalition Blog http://www.internationalchristianrec...i.blogspot.com International Christian Recovery Coalition Forums http://goo.gl/rCtH6 In addition, we regularly appear on radio on Take12Radio.com And disseminate a newsletter frequently to those who subscribe or communicate with dick b. at dickb@dickb.com God Bless, Dick B.  |
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