Healed by faith
Conventional rehab heals the body and mind. Christian rehab doesn't neglect the healing of body and mind, but in Christian rehab you heal your soul as well.
Healed by Christ
Addiction has been separated from the Church and the Christian community for too long. Faith recovery believes that addicts are not in control of their actions, and only through the guidance of the Lord can they achieve salvation. The fellowship of the church and of other Christians with addictions provides the needed peer support, and through the use of prayer and scripture based reading, this fellowship of Christian peers gives strength and guidance for an addict looking to accept the will of God. Submitting to the will of Jesus Christ allows us to live without drugs and alcohol, and live a more Christian life for God and family.
Christian Recovery should be used in conjunction with other treatments, and AA meetings and inpatient facilities can offer the Christian addict additional tools on the road to recovery. Ultimately though, the only way free from addiction is through God's love, and by submitting to the will and the guidance of Jesus Christ.
Christian recovery allows an addict to take solace from the scripture, from prayers, from the Christian community, the fellowship of other addicts, and through a better relationship with Jesus Christ.
Christian recovery allows an addict to open their heart to God's love and His will, and to receive the strength that makes recovery possible. Addiction is a disease, and only with the help of Jesus Christ is a recovery from addiction possible.
Page last modified January 27, 2008
Three Christian Women Leaders of Early A.A.
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2008-07-04 10:15
Three Alcoholics Anonymous Christian Women Leaders:
They Studied, Taught, and Discussed the Bible in A.A.
Dick B.
© 2008 by Anonymous. All rights reserved
About A.A., the Bible, and Christian Women in Recovery Today
The following sound like simple questions for which there must be simple answers today. And that is the case. The problem is that many women in Alcoholics Anonymous, in Al-Anon, in other 12 Step programs, in other kinds of recovery programs, and in Christian recovery groups just don’t know the real facts that can readily provide them with the answers.
Are there women in recovery groups today? Of course there are. This, despite the fact that the earliest A.A. fellowships consisted of men only. And are there Christian women in recovery groups today? Of course there are. This, in spite of the fact that 12-Step literature pouring out of service offices, treatment programs, and social agencies suggest you don’t have to believe in God or make a decision for Christ in order to recover from alcoholism and other addictions.
Do women have to be or become Christians in order to belong to A.A., receive treatment, or recover from alcoholism. The answer is a very clear “No.” But can women and men believe in God, be Christian, study the Bible, read Christian literature today, and still be active and in recovery and recovery groups today. The answer is an equally clear “Yes.”
Are there Christian women in recovery and recovery groups who study or wish to study the Bible as part of their recovery effort? Once again, the answer is “Yes.” Of course, there are. This is the case, even though women and others are often intimidated in today’s fellowships—if they mention the Bible, Jesus Christ, or religion in meetings, in groups, in conferences, or to their sponsors. Have I personally seen that situation? The answer is “Yes.” All too often.
Are A.A., Al-Anon, other 12 Step fellowships, and treatment programs “Christian” today? Most certainly are not—at least not A.A. and Al-Anon, or even a substantial majority of other anonymous fellowships and treatment programs.
Given this strange assortment of facts, is there a place today in A.A., Al-Anon, other 12 Step fellowships, and treatment programs for Christian women who want to participate fully in their societies and programs, and still study the Bible? A place for Christian women who desire to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ? A place for women who devotedly choose to attend, talk about, and share facts about some Christian church of their choice—regardless of the denomination? The answer is most assuredly “Yes.” They can do this freely, openly, and sincerely, even in the face of the oft-heard rumblings in recovery halls today about some “higher power” that is not Almighty God, about a supposed “spirituality” that has nothing to do with Christianity or the Bible, and about an alleged difference between A.A. as “spiritual” and A.A. as a society that rests on countless Biblical and Christian words, roots, language, historical principles, and practices. And also a society that regularly studies and quotes a basic text that patently uses Christian language. It refers to God and to Bible verses taken straight from Scripture. It urges concepts about doing God’s will—concepts that definitely necessitate a belief in Almighty God. These truths are firm whether AAs talk about “a” god of their understanding, “a” power greater than themselves, or some great, undefined “Reality.” These curious and often contradictory usages do not make A.A. Christian or biblical. They simply contract some basic, biblical ideas. But they do plainly point to the religious wellsprings from which A.A. emerged and was constructed.
Those are the facts today.
In brief, today A.A. and many other recovery societies are not, do not purport to be, and do not require members to become, Christian. Nor do they insist on acceptance or mouthing of any Christian creed, statement of Christian faith, Christian literature, or of any association with some particular sect, denomination, or church—Christian or otherwise—as a condition of recovery.
These also are the facts today. But they do not justify close-mindedness, exclusivity, condemnation, criticism, skepticism, atheism, agnosticism, or unbelief. In fact, typifying his own personal belief in, and reliance on, Almighty God, A.A. cofounder Dr. Bob wrote at the close of his personal story that follows the basic text:
If you think you are an atheist, an agnostic, a skeptic, or have any other form of intellectual pride which keeps you from accepting what is in this book, I feel sorry for you. If you still think you are strong enough to beat the game alone, that is your affair. But if you really and truly want to quit drinking liquor for good and all, and sincerely feel that you must have some help, we know that we have an answer for you. It never fails, if you go about it with one half the zeal you have been in the habit of showing when you were getting another drink. Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!
What was the answer of which Dr. Bob spoke? The help of Almighty God! Dr. Bob made it plain that God never fails those who believe in Him and diligently seek Him.
One could argue endlessly in meetings today about the relevance of God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible to problem of how to recover from alcoholism. Or that you can stop drinking, get sober, and remain sober without religious affiliation, Christian principles, and biblical practices. In fact, many, many people make these points every day. And that is their affair, as Dr. Bob put it. These doubters and critics are not suppressed, chastised, or expelled because of their views in, for, against, or about God. They are free to hold them and express them. In fact, if you attack, they’ll defend; if you object, they’ll want to argue and condemn; if you present facts, they’ll doubt your point—even if you cite “Conference Approved” literature for your point.
But emails, letters, and phone calls I receive daily—including hundreds from women in recovery—contain questions such as those I have posed and responded to above. They ask: Is A.A. is anti-Christian? Is it against religion? Is it non-Christian, and opposed to Bible study, religious literature, and church? The queries arise largely because of frequent, vociferous objections from bleeding deacons, because of some individual’s distaste for churches and Christianity, or because of a widespread misunderstanding of what A.A. is, where it came from, or how it really proposes that people get well.
The best approach I know in dealing with arguments hostile to Christians and Christian ideas and statements in recovery today is to raise clearly the following points: (1) Ask the hostile contender if he or she knows of the Christian, Bible, and conversion training A.A. founders Dr. Bob and Bill W. received as youngsters in Vermont. (2) Ask the hostile contender if he or she knows that belief in God and acceptance of Christ was required in the early A.A. Christian Fellowship in Akron. (3) Ask the hostile contender to point to some “rule,” some “law,” some “tradition,” or some authoritative announcement from a General Service Conference that holds one may not be a Christian, may not study the Bible, may not mention Jesus Christ, may not attend a Christian church, and may not—in such situations—claim to be, belong to, and embrace A.A., Al-Anon, or 12-Step fellowship principles and practices today. (4) Ask the hostile contender if he or she has read such A.A. materials as DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers and the many other “Conference Approved” pieces of literature that talk about the Bible, the early Christian fellowship, the Christian women who taught early AAs, and the importance of the Book of James, Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7), and 1 Corinthians 13 in every day recovery meetings and language. (5) Ask the hostile contender if he or she has any knowledge of the early A.A. Christian fellowship in Akron; of its regular study of the Book of James, Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount,” and 1 Corinthians 13; and of the widespread desire among the pioneers to call A.A. “The James Club” because of the popularity of the Book of James. (6) Ask the hostile contender if he or she is at all familiar with the role that three Christian women played in the founding and development of the program; and with their teaching of the Christian principles, literature, and practices. (7) Ask the contender if he or she has studied the actual history of Alcoholics Anonymous. You’ll be surprised at the number of “no” answers you’ll receive
Dominating the background of my interest in what the early AAs did, what they believed, and how and why they succeeded, is the Bible itself. Why? Because I believe the Bible tells us about our Creator, His son, and His will, and enables us to understand them. And because I believe the original A.A. program called specifically for “finding” God, for “establishing a relationship with God,” for being of maximum service to God, and for trusting God. I found it important to discover the real, biblical ideas, practices, and teachings in early A.A. Yet, almost as soon as my interest in A.A.’s Bible roots developed, my sponsor and his sponsor insisted to me that people who read the Bible get drunk. My sponsor was no Bible student. And his sponsor had never, ever read the Bible. Yet each insisted that it was wrong to discuss the Bible with a newcomer and offer him or her the chance to learn from the Bible. Each vociferously and also surreptitiously objected to a huge A.A. history meeting that was held in Mill Valley, California, where I discussed the Book of James and its place in our history. By that time, I had learned what Dr. Bob read and recommended in the Bible. I knew what Anne Smith had taught AAs and their families from the Bible. And I had begun to see the Bible’s prominent place in the early A.A. practices and recoveries. This, in turn, led me to realize that it was not only appropriate, but immensely practical and valuable, for AAs—particularly women AAs—to learn the forthright way in which the Bible was authoritatively presented by three women in the fellowship itself.
Why Learn About the Christian Women Pioneers and Leaders in A.A.
Today there are a number of women employed by and paid to serve A.A. offices. Some are not AAs. Some write materials that become published by A.A. and then are embraced by, and become embedded in its meeting chatter. There are also hosts of counselors, treatment facilitators and therapists, who are not Christians, not respectful of a Christian solution, and very promotive of secularism. AAs themselves really have no part in that process. Yet these employed women in the A.A. structure even write letters to members defining what they believe is the nature of A.A.—“spiritual, but not religious.” But they do not represent, do not speak for, and are not acting on behalf of A.A. members—individually or as a group. So it seems quite appropriate—in fact almost imperative—to look (for reliable experience, precedent, guidance, and actual historical facts) to the three important Christian women who had founding or experienced roles in the founding, development, and successes of A.A. fellowships themselves. Moreover, each of these three unpaid Christian women served A.A.’s primary purpose—to help the alcoholic who still suffers—and certainly did hands-on work with drunks. They believed in God and brought newcomers to Christ.
This is not to make a special case for women leaders, or for Christian women, or for Christian activities in today’s A.A. The focus on these Christian leaders, however, may be more than justified on the following basis. AAs and others in recovery today may show more deference to the Christian roots and relevance of early A.A. ideas if it is known that they developed in an all-male society but were taught, fostered, and practiced in the fellowship by women who were extraordinary leaders, teachers, and believers. And it was the work of these Christian women which contributed mightily to the astonishing 75% to 93% documented success rate among seemingly-hopeless, medically-incurable, real alcoholics who went to any lengths to establish their relationship with God and get well. They contributed yesterday. And today!
Perhaps too it is easier to understand and study A.A.’s Christian roots by turning to the hands-on service of its Christian women leaders, rather than dwelling on the moral shortcomings, spiritual wanderings, and warped theological thinking of some of the men who helped found, and then substantially changed, the early fellowship. These men included some who were cheating on their wives, grabbing for profit and prestige, and fostering interest in spiritualism and drugs like LSD. Admittedly, these men weren’t perfect. Few of us are. But the track records of the Christian women perhaps offer a better and more substantial picture of honesty, fidelity, love, and service. And in any case, I believe they have earned mention as vital contributors to the fashioning of A.A. successes arising out of reliance on the Creator.
The Fruitfulness of Learning about Three of These Women Leaders
Four men whose writings or ideas caused Bill Wilson to dub them A.A. “cofounders”: As the years rolled on from the actual founding of A.A., Bill Wilson began extending the title of “founder” to a number of men who played roles in influencing Wilson’s own Twelve Step program. These men included Dr. Carl Gustav Jung and his conversion cure theory; Professor William James and his voluminous study of actual conversion cures; Dr. William D. Silkworth and his ideas about the disease of alcoholism and the Great Physician’s ability to cure it; and Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr., who—according to Bill himself—taught him most of the specifics incorporated in Bill’s Twelve Step program of recovery. All four men were called “founders” by Bill. And the fruits of their ideas can be seen in the A.A. program’s history.
Sister Ignatia, the Roman Catholic nun, acknowledged by Wilson to have “played a considerable part in the founding of A.A.” Ignatia’s biographer called her the “Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous.” Bill Wilson pointed to her close work with Dr. Bob in ministering to some 5,000 alcoholics treated at St. Thomas Hospital operated by the Roman Catholic Church. Her biographer said she seldom met Dr. Bob’s wife in person, but stated that Anne Smith and Sister Ignatia conversed regularly on the telephone. And, though Sister Ignatia was not an alcoholic, was not a “member” of A.A., and was not a participant in the Fellowship’s early founding years, she became an inescapable part of the Akron family that ministered with success to hospitalized alcoholics in their early days. Admirers spoke of her as the “Little Angel.”
But we turn to three women who were leaders within the fellowship itself.
The three Christian women leaders and where to find more about them:
Anne Ripley Smith: It is appropriate to start with Anne Ripley Smith [wife of Dr. Bob (cofounder of A.A.), and the woman Bill Wilson called the “Mother of A.A.”]. You can read a few details about her in A.A. Conference Approved literature. But you will find much, much more in my titles Anne Smith’s Journal, 1933-1939 (http://www.dickb.com/annesm.shtml); The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous (http://www.dickb.com/Akron.shtml); and Turning Point: A History of Early A.A.’s Spiritual Roots and Successes (http://www.dickb.com/Turning.shtml).
Henrietta Buckler Seiberling: Henrietta was the Christian non-alcoholic woman who, in Bill Wilson’s own words, worked together with Anne Smith and “infused much needed spirituality into Bob and me” while Bill lived with the Smiths in the summer of 1935. It was Henrietta’s determination to get Bob sober that brought the Christian fellowship and Dr. Bob to prayer on their knees for his recovery. It was she who received the initial call from Bill Wilson that caused her to declare that Bill was “manna from heaven” and quickly recognized a God-given opportunity to help Dr. Bob. It was she who immediately introduced Bob to Bill at her home. It was she who “called the shots” at most of the early, weekly meetings. And here also, you will find much, much more in my titles, Henrietta B. Seiberling: Ohio’s Lady with a Cause (http://dickb.com/HenriettaSeiberling.shtml); The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous (http://www.dickb.com/Akron.sthml); Turning Point: A History of Early A.A. (http://www.dickb.com/Turning.shml); and my own biographical chapter on Henrietta in the Hazelden title, Women Pioneers.
Grace Moore Snyder: Grace was the woman of God who was steeped in Christian training and upbringing; earned and maintained long-term sobriety as an AA; married A.A. pioneer Clarence H. Snyder; and learned the facts from Clarence about the real, early A.A. program. It was she who joined Clarence Snyder in conducting many, many spiritual retreats for AAs and their families. It was she who literally devoted her life to bringing as many kids as possible “to the Lord” (as she put it). You will find the Clarence-Grace details is my title That Amazing Grace: The Role of Clarence and Grace S. in Alcoholics Anonymous (http://dickb.com/AmazGrac.shtml). There is more about their work in the How It Worked title by Mitch K. and in the Our Legacy book edited and compiled by me for its Three A.A. Oldtimer Clarence Snyder Sponsees and their Wives—which can be read and obtained through www.cametobelieve.org.
Why These Three Christian Women
As to Anne Ripley Smith: There are so many details about Dr. Bob’s wife and her Bible that I can only summarize them here. Anne began reading the Bible to Dr. Bob and Bill throughout the summer of 1935. She kept a journal from 1933 to 1939 in which she recorded all the facets of the early A.A. program. She shared its contents, and discussed the subjects therein, with Bill and Bob. Also with early AAs and their families at daily morning Quiet Times at the Smith Home. She often read from and discussed the Bible in the early and later meetings of the Akron Number One group—later known as the King School Group. She formed the first women’s group as early as 1936—one year after A.A. was founded. She even counseled Lois Wilson in Lois’s trying times when wives were meeting as a “kitchen group” in the Wilson home. She recommended the reading of all sorts of Christian books. And her most significant statement—recorded in her journal—was:
Of course the Bible ought to be the main Source Book of all. Not a day should pass without reading it.”
And she made specific suggestions about the portions that should be read, and in what order. I was perhaps the first person in recent years to obtain a copy of her journal and review carefully its 64 pages of spiritual principles and practices taught to and discussed with AAs and their families. Anne was a graduate of Wellesley and had experience as a teacher. She and Dr. Bob attended several churches in Akron and took their children to Sunday school there. All the evidence I saw indicated that Anne was particularly able to make newcomers feel welcome, work with the wives of alcoholics, be a regular fixture at early meetings, and counsel both AAs and their families from her journal, at morning Quiet Times, and in the Smith home where many lived from time to time. One long-time friend, Florence B., wrote that Anne was “evangelist, nurse, salesman, employment bureau all in one” and that “Anne’s personal religion was simple and workable. She never sought to rewrite the Bible nor to explain it. She just accepted it.”
Henrietta Buckler Seiberling: I believe I was the first person to interview each of Henrietta’s three children in depth about Henrietta’s A.A. role and about her statements, reading, teaching, and Bible studies. Her son John Seiberling, who attended early A.A. meetings with his mother, told me the specific verses she treasured in the teachings of Jesus and in the later portions of the New Testament—such as Corinthians and 1 John. Henrietta’s older daughter Mary Seiberling Huhn wrote me a great many letters about her mother’s Bible remarks, beliefs, and studies. And I visited the Town House in New York where her younger daughter Dorothy lived with her husband. There I was permitted to review Henrietta’s own Bible, look at and copy the dozens of handwritten notes she had placed in it, and hear Dorothy’s comments about how her mother viewed the Bible. Henrietta’s entire family attended a Presbyterian church in Akron. And Henrietta’s voluminous reading of Christian books and pamphlets somewhat closely paralleled the same Christian titles that Dr. Bob read and circulated widely among early AAs and their families. Henrietta, a Vassar Graduate, was particularly capable in her teaching of Christian materials and frequently taught in the early meetings. She was forceful, articulate, Bible-oriented, and personally compassionate in dealing with AAs.
Grace Moore Snyder: Though her role in Alcoholics Anonymous came much later in the A.A. timeline (as compared to the Anne Smith—Henrietta Seiberling period), it was highly effective, personal, and Bible-oriented. In a very real sense, it paralleled the outspoken enthusiasm for Bible study so clearly evident in the service of Anne Smith and Henrietta Seiberling years before. From her earliest years, Grace worshipped at, attended, and participated in churches. I heard Grace speak at several of the retreats she and Clarence had founded or led. I saw her bring many newcomers to Christ at those retreats. I saw her pray for individuals in need. I heard her frequently refer to the Bible. And, in preparation for the book I wrote about her, my son Ken and I spent a week at her home in Florida learning what she had received and passed along from Clarence. I carefully examined her several, thoroughly-marked Bibles, heard her talk about important Scriptural ideas and passages, and interviewed her in depth about how she and Clarence had sponsored so many in Alcoholics Anonymous—always stressing salvation and fidelity to the truth of God’s Word. Grace was an attractive, loving, and dedicated servant of her Heavenly Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Encouraging and Useful News for Christian Women
in Recovery Today
The recovery population and its present-day membership sources: I cannot pretend to be a surveyor or statistician when it comes to how many incoming newcomers, of which gender and from which source, enter recovery fellowships today. Nor what their religious persuasion may or may not be. In fact, there is probably a totally-inadequate understanding of the believer, unbeliever, and non-believer recovery numbers today. But what I can report is information gained from having been much involved in a treatment center and its after-care program, from attending thousands of A.A. meetings around the United States, from receiving hundreds and hundreds of letters, emails, and phone calls from all over the world, from connections with the penal and hospital systems, and from wide reading and wide speaking experience in various types of recovery fellowships—religious retreats, Christian recovery conventions and conferences, and congregations of Christian counselors and facilitators. Nonetheless, I make this disclaimer: I am not an “expert” statistician. I simply speak as a male who was a Christian before, during, and after recovery fellowship involvement. I speak also as one who has sponsored more than 100 men, sponsored four women, and often been a speaker at mixed-gender recovery meetings of all kinds. Often, the Bible was discussed, studied, and used.
Where the new people seem to come from: Today’s newcomers come from a wide variety of sources—court-ordered attendance, treatment center-sponsored attendance, referrals by therapists and psychologists and physicians, referrals by government programs and agencies, referrals by churches and clergy and non-profit agencies, interventions, and by walking through the doors. In almost every case, they come encumbered by a variety of disasters that are drinking-related—job loss, divorce, death, physical illness, accident, abuse, abandonment, injury, debt, loss of a companion or relative or relationship, imprisonment, hospitalization, severe health and withdrawal problems, and just plain despair.
Their religious or irreligious convictions: My own experience as an A.A. “member,” as a sponsor, and as a recovery observer tells me that few enter our rooms for religious reasons. Few enter our rooms intent on pursuing a religious solution. Moreover, few enter intending to oppose religions, churches, Christianity, Bible study, or prayer. In fact, today there is so little mention of A.A. in company with religion that they probably don’t even know there is an issue. Their overwhelming burden of rampant drinking gone bad hardly produces an inevitable prejudice about any particular kind of solution. It arises when someone tells them they are wrong. New alcoholic members are sensitive people, querulous, hesitant, eager to “belong,” not argue.
The changes that confront them. It doesn’t take long for prejudice to rear its ugly head! These same bewildered, sick, confused, fearful, and despondent new people will soon hear phrases like “A.A. is not religious;” or “A.A. is spiritual but not religious;” or “all you need is a willingness to believe in some power greater than yourself,” or that your “higher power” can be anything you like—from a radiator to Santa Claus, from a door knob to a light bulb, from an A.A. group to good-orderly-direction, from a tree to the Great Pumpkin; or that sharing about your reading of the Bible, being a Christian, going to church, or praying in the name of Jesus is contrary to the “Traditions” and introduces “outside issues” not appropriate for an A.A. meeting; or that reading or bringing to a meeting or discussing any literature that is not “Conference Approved” is forbidden. That’s all news to entering persons. They don’t want to be preached to, be admonished, be taught definitions, or be pounded with higher power nonsense. Further, such nonsense information is usually presented dogmatically, critically, and in an intimidating fashion which quickly forces the wary new person into silence about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, his or her church, his or her religion, or his or her religious beliefs.
Newcomers aren’t looking for a religious battle. The point is that people don’t come to a recovery fellowship looking for a scrap over religious matters. They just hurt. They just suffer. And they just want to believe someone will help them get over and out of their troubles—last, but not least, over their drinking problem yet to be defined in their own minds. I expected and found A.A. to be such a place when I entered the rooms. Neither they nor I seem to have been deterred by the language that God could and would help them
The plain language of recovery books, literature, and articles: Strange it is that a newcomer may hear or notice frequent mention of biblical words or verses. Language such as “Creator,”
“Maker,” “Father of lights,” “Father,” “Spirit” (all capitalized), and such verses as “Thy will be done,” “Faith without works is dead,” “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” and many more. Then there is that plain, simple, easily-understood word “God.” It is always capitalized. It was used in the Third Edition of A.A.’s basic text over 400 times, counting the capitalized pronouns and biblical “names” for God. Then there are plain, simple, frequent references to forgiveness, restitution, confession, prayer, meditation, minister, rabbi, priest, God-sufficiency, God’s will, and many more words and phrases commonly derived from the Bible, religion, and churches. These words, phrases, and concepts have left no doubt in the mind of the state and federal court judges who have ruled on the nature of A.A. and other 12 Step programs to the effect that the programs are clearly religious, even though they contain a confused conglomeration of religious chatter. And if reasonable judicial experts, religious leaders, doctors, and Bible students use such ideas, how can any new person conclude that God, the Bible, religion, priests, and God’s will are anything but OK. I quickly reached that conclusion. I felt comfortable with God. I felt comfortable talking about the Bible. And I felt comfortable mentioning the Bible fellowship to which I belonged. In fact, my sponsees and I called our group “the God squad.”
But that lasted only until I saw people chastised for bringing a Bible to a meeting, chastised for mentioning Jesus Christ, chastised for discussing New Thought literature written by Emmet Fox, and chastised for even mentioning early A.A.’s Christian origins, roots, principles, and practices. One good friend said she was going to “bar” her women sponsees from coming to a huge A.A. history meeting where A.A.’s New York Archivist, Dr. Bob’s son, and the writer of Pass It On were scheduled to speak. She saw mention of the word “Christian” in a flyer. That terminated her support for the idea that her sponsees could attend. Eight hundred others did!
But consider the facts that were and are at stake in any such denial. Early AAs got completely well. They were cured. They recovered. And they never drank again. Very few did that. But those who totally gave themselves to the early program achieved astonishing success. In Akron, a documented 75% succeeded. In Cleveland, a documented 93% succeeded. Hundreds of newspaper articles, magazine articles, and columnists reported the healings through the power of God. And that raises the question whether the actions of these early A.A. pioneers warrant our knowing about them today when it comes to choosing an option for attempted recovery.
One way is to learn about the three Christian women leaders who helped bring about healings by the power of God within the great Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. That doesn’t make A.A. Christian. But it can and will make AAs wise.
Gloria Deo
Dick B., PO Box 837, Kihei, HI 96753-0837; 808 874 4876; http://www.dickb.com/index.shtml
They Studied, Taught, and Discussed the Bible in A.A.
Dick B.
© 2008 by Anonymous. All rights reserved
About A.A., the Bible, and Christian Women in Recovery Today
The following sound like simple questions for which there must be simple answers today. And that is the case. The problem is that many women in Alcoholics Anonymous, in Al-Anon, in other 12 Step programs, in other kinds of recovery programs, and in Christian recovery groups just don’t know the real facts that can readily provide them with the answers.
Are there women in recovery groups today? Of course there are. This, despite the fact that the earliest A.A. fellowships consisted of men only. And are there Christian women in recovery groups today? Of course there are. This, in spite of the fact that 12-Step literature pouring out of service offices, treatment programs, and social agencies suggest you don’t have to believe in God or make a decision for Christ in order to recover from alcoholism and other addictions.
Do women have to be or become Christians in order to belong to A.A., receive treatment, or recover from alcoholism. The answer is a very clear “No.” But can women and men believe in God, be Christian, study the Bible, read Christian literature today, and still be active and in recovery and recovery groups today. The answer is an equally clear “Yes.”
Are there Christian women in recovery and recovery groups who study or wish to study the Bible as part of their recovery effort? Once again, the answer is “Yes.” Of course, there are. This is the case, even though women and others are often intimidated in today’s fellowships—if they mention the Bible, Jesus Christ, or religion in meetings, in groups, in conferences, or to their sponsors. Have I personally seen that situation? The answer is “Yes.” All too often.
Are A.A., Al-Anon, other 12 Step fellowships, and treatment programs “Christian” today? Most certainly are not—at least not A.A. and Al-Anon, or even a substantial majority of other anonymous fellowships and treatment programs.
Given this strange assortment of facts, is there a place today in A.A., Al-Anon, other 12 Step fellowships, and treatment programs for Christian women who want to participate fully in their societies and programs, and still study the Bible? A place for Christian women who desire to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ? A place for women who devotedly choose to attend, talk about, and share facts about some Christian church of their choice—regardless of the denomination? The answer is most assuredly “Yes.” They can do this freely, openly, and sincerely, even in the face of the oft-heard rumblings in recovery halls today about some “higher power” that is not Almighty God, about a supposed “spirituality” that has nothing to do with Christianity or the Bible, and about an alleged difference between A.A. as “spiritual” and A.A. as a society that rests on countless Biblical and Christian words, roots, language, historical principles, and practices. And also a society that regularly studies and quotes a basic text that patently uses Christian language. It refers to God and to Bible verses taken straight from Scripture. It urges concepts about doing God’s will—concepts that definitely necessitate a belief in Almighty God. These truths are firm whether AAs talk about “a” god of their understanding, “a” power greater than themselves, or some great, undefined “Reality.” These curious and often contradictory usages do not make A.A. Christian or biblical. They simply contract some basic, biblical ideas. But they do plainly point to the religious wellsprings from which A.A. emerged and was constructed.
Those are the facts today.
In brief, today A.A. and many other recovery societies are not, do not purport to be, and do not require members to become, Christian. Nor do they insist on acceptance or mouthing of any Christian creed, statement of Christian faith, Christian literature, or of any association with some particular sect, denomination, or church—Christian or otherwise—as a condition of recovery.
These also are the facts today. But they do not justify close-mindedness, exclusivity, condemnation, criticism, skepticism, atheism, agnosticism, or unbelief. In fact, typifying his own personal belief in, and reliance on, Almighty God, A.A. cofounder Dr. Bob wrote at the close of his personal story that follows the basic text:
If you think you are an atheist, an agnostic, a skeptic, or have any other form of intellectual pride which keeps you from accepting what is in this book, I feel sorry for you. If you still think you are strong enough to beat the game alone, that is your affair. But if you really and truly want to quit drinking liquor for good and all, and sincerely feel that you must have some help, we know that we have an answer for you. It never fails, if you go about it with one half the zeal you have been in the habit of showing when you were getting another drink. Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!
What was the answer of which Dr. Bob spoke? The help of Almighty God! Dr. Bob made it plain that God never fails those who believe in Him and diligently seek Him.
One could argue endlessly in meetings today about the relevance of God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible to problem of how to recover from alcoholism. Or that you can stop drinking, get sober, and remain sober without religious affiliation, Christian principles, and biblical practices. In fact, many, many people make these points every day. And that is their affair, as Dr. Bob put it. These doubters and critics are not suppressed, chastised, or expelled because of their views in, for, against, or about God. They are free to hold them and express them. In fact, if you attack, they’ll defend; if you object, they’ll want to argue and condemn; if you present facts, they’ll doubt your point—even if you cite “Conference Approved” literature for your point.
But emails, letters, and phone calls I receive daily—including hundreds from women in recovery—contain questions such as those I have posed and responded to above. They ask: Is A.A. is anti-Christian? Is it against religion? Is it non-Christian, and opposed to Bible study, religious literature, and church? The queries arise largely because of frequent, vociferous objections from bleeding deacons, because of some individual’s distaste for churches and Christianity, or because of a widespread misunderstanding of what A.A. is, where it came from, or how it really proposes that people get well.
The best approach I know in dealing with arguments hostile to Christians and Christian ideas and statements in recovery today is to raise clearly the following points: (1) Ask the hostile contender if he or she knows of the Christian, Bible, and conversion training A.A. founders Dr. Bob and Bill W. received as youngsters in Vermont. (2) Ask the hostile contender if he or she knows that belief in God and acceptance of Christ was required in the early A.A. Christian Fellowship in Akron. (3) Ask the hostile contender to point to some “rule,” some “law,” some “tradition,” or some authoritative announcement from a General Service Conference that holds one may not be a Christian, may not study the Bible, may not mention Jesus Christ, may not attend a Christian church, and may not—in such situations—claim to be, belong to, and embrace A.A., Al-Anon, or 12-Step fellowship principles and practices today. (4) Ask the hostile contender if he or she has read such A.A. materials as DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers and the many other “Conference Approved” pieces of literature that talk about the Bible, the early Christian fellowship, the Christian women who taught early AAs, and the importance of the Book of James, Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7), and 1 Corinthians 13 in every day recovery meetings and language. (5) Ask the hostile contender if he or she has any knowledge of the early A.A. Christian fellowship in Akron; of its regular study of the Book of James, Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount,” and 1 Corinthians 13; and of the widespread desire among the pioneers to call A.A. “The James Club” because of the popularity of the Book of James. (6) Ask the hostile contender if he or she is at all familiar with the role that three Christian women played in the founding and development of the program; and with their teaching of the Christian principles, literature, and practices. (7) Ask the contender if he or she has studied the actual history of Alcoholics Anonymous. You’ll be surprised at the number of “no” answers you’ll receive
Dominating the background of my interest in what the early AAs did, what they believed, and how and why they succeeded, is the Bible itself. Why? Because I believe the Bible tells us about our Creator, His son, and His will, and enables us to understand them. And because I believe the original A.A. program called specifically for “finding” God, for “establishing a relationship with God,” for being of maximum service to God, and for trusting God. I found it important to discover the real, biblical ideas, practices, and teachings in early A.A. Yet, almost as soon as my interest in A.A.’s Bible roots developed, my sponsor and his sponsor insisted to me that people who read the Bible get drunk. My sponsor was no Bible student. And his sponsor had never, ever read the Bible. Yet each insisted that it was wrong to discuss the Bible with a newcomer and offer him or her the chance to learn from the Bible. Each vociferously and also surreptitiously objected to a huge A.A. history meeting that was held in Mill Valley, California, where I discussed the Book of James and its place in our history. By that time, I had learned what Dr. Bob read and recommended in the Bible. I knew what Anne Smith had taught AAs and their families from the Bible. And I had begun to see the Bible’s prominent place in the early A.A. practices and recoveries. This, in turn, led me to realize that it was not only appropriate, but immensely practical and valuable, for AAs—particularly women AAs—to learn the forthright way in which the Bible was authoritatively presented by three women in the fellowship itself.
Why Learn About the Christian Women Pioneers and Leaders in A.A.
Today there are a number of women employed by and paid to serve A.A. offices. Some are not AAs. Some write materials that become published by A.A. and then are embraced by, and become embedded in its meeting chatter. There are also hosts of counselors, treatment facilitators and therapists, who are not Christians, not respectful of a Christian solution, and very promotive of secularism. AAs themselves really have no part in that process. Yet these employed women in the A.A. structure even write letters to members defining what they believe is the nature of A.A.—“spiritual, but not religious.” But they do not represent, do not speak for, and are not acting on behalf of A.A. members—individually or as a group. So it seems quite appropriate—in fact almost imperative—to look (for reliable experience, precedent, guidance, and actual historical facts) to the three important Christian women who had founding or experienced roles in the founding, development, and successes of A.A. fellowships themselves. Moreover, each of these three unpaid Christian women served A.A.’s primary purpose—to help the alcoholic who still suffers—and certainly did hands-on work with drunks. They believed in God and brought newcomers to Christ.
This is not to make a special case for women leaders, or for Christian women, or for Christian activities in today’s A.A. The focus on these Christian leaders, however, may be more than justified on the following basis. AAs and others in recovery today may show more deference to the Christian roots and relevance of early A.A. ideas if it is known that they developed in an all-male society but were taught, fostered, and practiced in the fellowship by women who were extraordinary leaders, teachers, and believers. And it was the work of these Christian women which contributed mightily to the astonishing 75% to 93% documented success rate among seemingly-hopeless, medically-incurable, real alcoholics who went to any lengths to establish their relationship with God and get well. They contributed yesterday. And today!
Perhaps too it is easier to understand and study A.A.’s Christian roots by turning to the hands-on service of its Christian women leaders, rather than dwelling on the moral shortcomings, spiritual wanderings, and warped theological thinking of some of the men who helped found, and then substantially changed, the early fellowship. These men included some who were cheating on their wives, grabbing for profit and prestige, and fostering interest in spiritualism and drugs like LSD. Admittedly, these men weren’t perfect. Few of us are. But the track records of the Christian women perhaps offer a better and more substantial picture of honesty, fidelity, love, and service. And in any case, I believe they have earned mention as vital contributors to the fashioning of A.A. successes arising out of reliance on the Creator.
The Fruitfulness of Learning about Three of These Women Leaders
Four men whose writings or ideas caused Bill Wilson to dub them A.A. “cofounders”: As the years rolled on from the actual founding of A.A., Bill Wilson began extending the title of “founder” to a number of men who played roles in influencing Wilson’s own Twelve Step program. These men included Dr. Carl Gustav Jung and his conversion cure theory; Professor William James and his voluminous study of actual conversion cures; Dr. William D. Silkworth and his ideas about the disease of alcoholism and the Great Physician’s ability to cure it; and Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr., who—according to Bill himself—taught him most of the specifics incorporated in Bill’s Twelve Step program of recovery. All four men were called “founders” by Bill. And the fruits of their ideas can be seen in the A.A. program’s history.
Sister Ignatia, the Roman Catholic nun, acknowledged by Wilson to have “played a considerable part in the founding of A.A.” Ignatia’s biographer called her the “Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous.” Bill Wilson pointed to her close work with Dr. Bob in ministering to some 5,000 alcoholics treated at St. Thomas Hospital operated by the Roman Catholic Church. Her biographer said she seldom met Dr. Bob’s wife in person, but stated that Anne Smith and Sister Ignatia conversed regularly on the telephone. And, though Sister Ignatia was not an alcoholic, was not a “member” of A.A., and was not a participant in the Fellowship’s early founding years, she became an inescapable part of the Akron family that ministered with success to hospitalized alcoholics in their early days. Admirers spoke of her as the “Little Angel.”
But we turn to three women who were leaders within the fellowship itself.
The three Christian women leaders and where to find more about them:
Anne Ripley Smith: It is appropriate to start with Anne Ripley Smith [wife of Dr. Bob (cofounder of A.A.), and the woman Bill Wilson called the “Mother of A.A.”]. You can read a few details about her in A.A. Conference Approved literature. But you will find much, much more in my titles Anne Smith’s Journal, 1933-1939 (http://www.dickb.com/annesm.shtml); The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous (http://www.dickb.com/Akron.shtml); and Turning Point: A History of Early A.A.’s Spiritual Roots and Successes (http://www.dickb.com/Turning.shtml).
Henrietta Buckler Seiberling: Henrietta was the Christian non-alcoholic woman who, in Bill Wilson’s own words, worked together with Anne Smith and “infused much needed spirituality into Bob and me” while Bill lived with the Smiths in the summer of 1935. It was Henrietta’s determination to get Bob sober that brought the Christian fellowship and Dr. Bob to prayer on their knees for his recovery. It was she who received the initial call from Bill Wilson that caused her to declare that Bill was “manna from heaven” and quickly recognized a God-given opportunity to help Dr. Bob. It was she who immediately introduced Bob to Bill at her home. It was she who “called the shots” at most of the early, weekly meetings. And here also, you will find much, much more in my titles, Henrietta B. Seiberling: Ohio’s Lady with a Cause (http://dickb.com/HenriettaSeiberling.shtml); The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous (http://www.dickb.com/Akron.sthml); Turning Point: A History of Early A.A. (http://www.dickb.com/Turning.shml); and my own biographical chapter on Henrietta in the Hazelden title, Women Pioneers.
Grace Moore Snyder: Grace was the woman of God who was steeped in Christian training and upbringing; earned and maintained long-term sobriety as an AA; married A.A. pioneer Clarence H. Snyder; and learned the facts from Clarence about the real, early A.A. program. It was she who joined Clarence Snyder in conducting many, many spiritual retreats for AAs and their families. It was she who literally devoted her life to bringing as many kids as possible “to the Lord” (as she put it). You will find the Clarence-Grace details is my title That Amazing Grace: The Role of Clarence and Grace S. in Alcoholics Anonymous (http://dickb.com/AmazGrac.shtml). There is more about their work in the How It Worked title by Mitch K. and in the Our Legacy book edited and compiled by me for its Three A.A. Oldtimer Clarence Snyder Sponsees and their Wives—which can be read and obtained through www.cametobelieve.org.
Why These Three Christian Women
As to Anne Ripley Smith: There are so many details about Dr. Bob’s wife and her Bible that I can only summarize them here. Anne began reading the Bible to Dr. Bob and Bill throughout the summer of 1935. She kept a journal from 1933 to 1939 in which she recorded all the facets of the early A.A. program. She shared its contents, and discussed the subjects therein, with Bill and Bob. Also with early AAs and their families at daily morning Quiet Times at the Smith Home. She often read from and discussed the Bible in the early and later meetings of the Akron Number One group—later known as the King School Group. She formed the first women’s group as early as 1936—one year after A.A. was founded. She even counseled Lois Wilson in Lois’s trying times when wives were meeting as a “kitchen group” in the Wilson home. She recommended the reading of all sorts of Christian books. And her most significant statement—recorded in her journal—was:
Of course the Bible ought to be the main Source Book of all. Not a day should pass without reading it.”
And she made specific suggestions about the portions that should be read, and in what order. I was perhaps the first person in recent years to obtain a copy of her journal and review carefully its 64 pages of spiritual principles and practices taught to and discussed with AAs and their families. Anne was a graduate of Wellesley and had experience as a teacher. She and Dr. Bob attended several churches in Akron and took their children to Sunday school there. All the evidence I saw indicated that Anne was particularly able to make newcomers feel welcome, work with the wives of alcoholics, be a regular fixture at early meetings, and counsel both AAs and their families from her journal, at morning Quiet Times, and in the Smith home where many lived from time to time. One long-time friend, Florence B., wrote that Anne was “evangelist, nurse, salesman, employment bureau all in one” and that “Anne’s personal religion was simple and workable. She never sought to rewrite the Bible nor to explain it. She just accepted it.”
Henrietta Buckler Seiberling: I believe I was the first person to interview each of Henrietta’s three children in depth about Henrietta’s A.A. role and about her statements, reading, teaching, and Bible studies. Her son John Seiberling, who attended early A.A. meetings with his mother, told me the specific verses she treasured in the teachings of Jesus and in the later portions of the New Testament—such as Corinthians and 1 John. Henrietta’s older daughter Mary Seiberling Huhn wrote me a great many letters about her mother’s Bible remarks, beliefs, and studies. And I visited the Town House in New York where her younger daughter Dorothy lived with her husband. There I was permitted to review Henrietta’s own Bible, look at and copy the dozens of handwritten notes she had placed in it, and hear Dorothy’s comments about how her mother viewed the Bible. Henrietta’s entire family attended a Presbyterian church in Akron. And Henrietta’s voluminous reading of Christian books and pamphlets somewhat closely paralleled the same Christian titles that Dr. Bob read and circulated widely among early AAs and their families. Henrietta, a Vassar Graduate, was particularly capable in her teaching of Christian materials and frequently taught in the early meetings. She was forceful, articulate, Bible-oriented, and personally compassionate in dealing with AAs.
Grace Moore Snyder: Though her role in Alcoholics Anonymous came much later in the A.A. timeline (as compared to the Anne Smith—Henrietta Seiberling period), it was highly effective, personal, and Bible-oriented. In a very real sense, it paralleled the outspoken enthusiasm for Bible study so clearly evident in the service of Anne Smith and Henrietta Seiberling years before. From her earliest years, Grace worshipped at, attended, and participated in churches. I heard Grace speak at several of the retreats she and Clarence had founded or led. I saw her bring many newcomers to Christ at those retreats. I saw her pray for individuals in need. I heard her frequently refer to the Bible. And, in preparation for the book I wrote about her, my son Ken and I spent a week at her home in Florida learning what she had received and passed along from Clarence. I carefully examined her several, thoroughly-marked Bibles, heard her talk about important Scriptural ideas and passages, and interviewed her in depth about how she and Clarence had sponsored so many in Alcoholics Anonymous—always stressing salvation and fidelity to the truth of God’s Word. Grace was an attractive, loving, and dedicated servant of her Heavenly Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Encouraging and Useful News for Christian Women
in Recovery Today
The recovery population and its present-day membership sources: I cannot pretend to be a surveyor or statistician when it comes to how many incoming newcomers, of which gender and from which source, enter recovery fellowships today. Nor what their religious persuasion may or may not be. In fact, there is probably a totally-inadequate understanding of the believer, unbeliever, and non-believer recovery numbers today. But what I can report is information gained from having been much involved in a treatment center and its after-care program, from attending thousands of A.A. meetings around the United States, from receiving hundreds and hundreds of letters, emails, and phone calls from all over the world, from connections with the penal and hospital systems, and from wide reading and wide speaking experience in various types of recovery fellowships—religious retreats, Christian recovery conventions and conferences, and congregations of Christian counselors and facilitators. Nonetheless, I make this disclaimer: I am not an “expert” statistician. I simply speak as a male who was a Christian before, during, and after recovery fellowship involvement. I speak also as one who has sponsored more than 100 men, sponsored four women, and often been a speaker at mixed-gender recovery meetings of all kinds. Often, the Bible was discussed, studied, and used.
Where the new people seem to come from: Today’s newcomers come from a wide variety of sources—court-ordered attendance, treatment center-sponsored attendance, referrals by therapists and psychologists and physicians, referrals by government programs and agencies, referrals by churches and clergy and non-profit agencies, interventions, and by walking through the doors. In almost every case, they come encumbered by a variety of disasters that are drinking-related—job loss, divorce, death, physical illness, accident, abuse, abandonment, injury, debt, loss of a companion or relative or relationship, imprisonment, hospitalization, severe health and withdrawal problems, and just plain despair.
Their religious or irreligious convictions: My own experience as an A.A. “member,” as a sponsor, and as a recovery observer tells me that few enter our rooms for religious reasons. Few enter our rooms intent on pursuing a religious solution. Moreover, few enter intending to oppose religions, churches, Christianity, Bible study, or prayer. In fact, today there is so little mention of A.A. in company with religion that they probably don’t even know there is an issue. Their overwhelming burden of rampant drinking gone bad hardly produces an inevitable prejudice about any particular kind of solution. It arises when someone tells them they are wrong. New alcoholic members are sensitive people, querulous, hesitant, eager to “belong,” not argue.
The changes that confront them. It doesn’t take long for prejudice to rear its ugly head! These same bewildered, sick, confused, fearful, and despondent new people will soon hear phrases like “A.A. is not religious;” or “A.A. is spiritual but not religious;” or “all you need is a willingness to believe in some power greater than yourself,” or that your “higher power” can be anything you like—from a radiator to Santa Claus, from a door knob to a light bulb, from an A.A. group to good-orderly-direction, from a tree to the Great Pumpkin; or that sharing about your reading of the Bible, being a Christian, going to church, or praying in the name of Jesus is contrary to the “Traditions” and introduces “outside issues” not appropriate for an A.A. meeting; or that reading or bringing to a meeting or discussing any literature that is not “Conference Approved” is forbidden. That’s all news to entering persons. They don’t want to be preached to, be admonished, be taught definitions, or be pounded with higher power nonsense. Further, such nonsense information is usually presented dogmatically, critically, and in an intimidating fashion which quickly forces the wary new person into silence about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, his or her church, his or her religion, or his or her religious beliefs.
Newcomers aren’t looking for a religious battle. The point is that people don’t come to a recovery fellowship looking for a scrap over religious matters. They just hurt. They just suffer. And they just want to believe someone will help them get over and out of their troubles—last, but not least, over their drinking problem yet to be defined in their own minds. I expected and found A.A. to be such a place when I entered the rooms. Neither they nor I seem to have been deterred by the language that God could and would help them
The plain language of recovery books, literature, and articles: Strange it is that a newcomer may hear or notice frequent mention of biblical words or verses. Language such as “Creator,”
“Maker,” “Father of lights,” “Father,” “Spirit” (all capitalized), and such verses as “Thy will be done,” “Faith without works is dead,” “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” and many more. Then there is that plain, simple, easily-understood word “God.” It is always capitalized. It was used in the Third Edition of A.A.’s basic text over 400 times, counting the capitalized pronouns and biblical “names” for God. Then there are plain, simple, frequent references to forgiveness, restitution, confession, prayer, meditation, minister, rabbi, priest, God-sufficiency, God’s will, and many more words and phrases commonly derived from the Bible, religion, and churches. These words, phrases, and concepts have left no doubt in the mind of the state and federal court judges who have ruled on the nature of A.A. and other 12 Step programs to the effect that the programs are clearly religious, even though they contain a confused conglomeration of religious chatter. And if reasonable judicial experts, religious leaders, doctors, and Bible students use such ideas, how can any new person conclude that God, the Bible, religion, priests, and God’s will are anything but OK. I quickly reached that conclusion. I felt comfortable with God. I felt comfortable talking about the Bible. And I felt comfortable mentioning the Bible fellowship to which I belonged. In fact, my sponsees and I called our group “the God squad.”
But that lasted only until I saw people chastised for bringing a Bible to a meeting, chastised for mentioning Jesus Christ, chastised for discussing New Thought literature written by Emmet Fox, and chastised for even mentioning early A.A.’s Christian origins, roots, principles, and practices. One good friend said she was going to “bar” her women sponsees from coming to a huge A.A. history meeting where A.A.’s New York Archivist, Dr. Bob’s son, and the writer of Pass It On were scheduled to speak. She saw mention of the word “Christian” in a flyer. That terminated her support for the idea that her sponsees could attend. Eight hundred others did!
But consider the facts that were and are at stake in any such denial. Early AAs got completely well. They were cured. They recovered. And they never drank again. Very few did that. But those who totally gave themselves to the early program achieved astonishing success. In Akron, a documented 75% succeeded. In Cleveland, a documented 93% succeeded. Hundreds of newspaper articles, magazine articles, and columnists reported the healings through the power of God. And that raises the question whether the actions of these early A.A. pioneers warrant our knowing about them today when it comes to choosing an option for attempted recovery.
One way is to learn about the three Christian women leaders who helped bring about healings by the power of God within the great Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. That doesn’t make A.A. Christian. But it can and will make AAs wise.
Gloria Deo
Dick B., PO Box 837, Kihei, HI 96753-0837; 808 874 4876; http://www.dickb.com/index.shtml
Christian Recovery and Faith Resources
Dick B.
© 2007 by Anonymous. All rights reserved.
Am I the One to Teach about It?
I was asked to teach at a Bible fellowship up near Lahaina, Maui. My particular gig is A.A. history and also the basic ideas from the Bible that produced the early A.A. program. But Poes’ Concordance to Alcoholics Anonymous (Reno. NV Purple Salamander Press, 1990), p. 269, lists 54 uses of “faith” in the Third Edition of A.A.’s basic text; and at pp. 102-104, dozens of uses of “belief,” “believe,” “ believing,” and the like. Sometimes conveying different idea and sometimes being synonymous. But when the Bible fellowship requested that I teach on “faith,” I chose to decline speaking on that specific subject. I did so for several reasons.
First, I’m not qualified to teach about what faith means, what faith is, and what purpose faith serves; nor belief either for that matter.
Second, I have been exposed to a great many definitions and ideas about faith, belief, and trust, even when taken from the Bible, a good dictionary, and A.A. writings. Thus, as to faith and the Bible, there is the “faith of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16). There is the “faith” of which Jesus spoke when he said: 1) “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour” (Matthew 17:17-18). When his disciples asked him why they could not cast the devil out, he replied: “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have the faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you” (Matthew 17:29). 2) “. . . if ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done unto the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea, it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (21:21-22). 3) “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. . . And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall . . .” (Mark 16:16-17). There is the faith about which the Apostles Peter and John spoke when they “preached the resurrection from the dead” but were imprisoned till the next day. Then the Bible states: “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:2-4). There is the faith taught by Paul and Silas when they went to Berea, went into the synagogue of the Jews; and this is recorded: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed. . .” (Acts 17:11-12). There is the faith of which Paul spoke in Romans 3:28: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” There is the faith covered at length in the 11th Chapter of Hebrews: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death. . .” There is the faith of which the Apostle James wrote, saying: “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. . . . A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1: 6-8). There is the faith covered by John when he wrote: “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. . .” (1 John 5:1). And then there is the faith of which Bill Wilson spoke. What “faith” was Wilson talking about at any given point in his writings? There is the “faith without works” phrase that Bill took from the Book of James and which has caused endless confusion and meaningless interpretations that have nothing to do with what the Apostle James was talking about in the Book of James. This despite the fact that the early AAs studied James assiduously. There is the faith of which people speak when they are referring to a particular denomination or church or religion. There is mention of “blind faith.” There is putting your “faith” in what you are doing. And so on. As mentioned, there are many usages of the word “belief” and “believing” both in the Bible and in A.A. And there certainly are significant usages of “trust” in both places (Proverbs 3:5-6; Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., p. )
Third, part of the problem encountered by any teacher or speaker or writer who takes his cue from the Bible is the fact that key Greek words underlying the King James Version of the Bible involve the word pistis. This word is a noun in Greek. It is translated both “faith” and “believing.” The related Greek word pisteuō has similar translational difficulties in the King James Version. I remember that, during my one trip to the Holy Land, a priest stepped out of a building, reached over and plucked a tiny tiny seed off a nearby tree branch. He said: “You have heard that you need only the faith of a mustard seed. Notice how small this seed is. That is all the faith that is required of you.” I leave it to the reader to begin his own search for the many different possibilities.
Finally, the bottom line is that I would have little to contribute in a teaching on this subject. I’ve simply not studied or been taught all the variant meanings of either the words faith or the word belief in the contexts in which they have been used. Moreover, I have long been taught that the worst teacher is he who guesses. And I don’t want to burden anyone with my guessing on the subject. But . . .
We can profitably look at what God tells us about believing
Yahweh our God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Says our Creator: I am, and I did it. That’s the essence of the first verse in the Bible. Now let’s cover what Genesis 1:1 actually states about the Creator: “In the beginning, God. . .” The underlying Hebrew word translated “God” is Elohim. In the beginning, Elohim created. And many believe the Hebrew word “Elohim” can be translated and understood as the “mighty one.” The word is plural—in Hebrew the plural of intensity. For example, in England, the Queen addresses parliament and says, “We” propose this or that. There is only one Queen, but her reference to herself as “we” has been called the plural of majesty. The one and only queen intensifies the importance of her status and words by referring to herself as “We.” Elohim, the mighty one is one. The New Jerusalem Bible states: “Listen, Israel, our God is the one, the only Yahweh. You must love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4 NJB). About Yahweh, the New Jerusalem Bible states: “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to him, and said, “I am El Shaddai. Live in my presence, be perfect. . .” (Genesis 17:1 NJB). El Shaddai is understood to mean Almighty God. But the words “God,” “Elohim,” and “El Shaddai” are actually some of the descriptions of Yahweh the one true living God. Yahweh is His name. He said so! “God said to Moses, ‘You are to tell the Israelites, “Yahweh, god of thy ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” This is my name for all time, and thus I am to be invoked for all generations” (Exodus 3:15 NJB). “God spoke to Moses and said to “I am Yahweh. To Abraham, Isaac and Jacob I appeared as El Shaddai, but I did not make my name Yahweh known to them” (Exodus 6:2-3 NJB). Repeatedly, the mighty one, Almighty God, made clear his personal name: “Now listen, I will make them acknowledge, this time I will make them acknowledge me and my might; and then they will know that Yahweh is my name” (Jeremiah 16:21). “I am Yahweh, that is my name! I shall not yield my glory to another, nor my honour to idols” (Isaiah 42:8). In His Word, Yahweh, describes Himself as Elohim (the mighty one) and as El Shaddai (God Almighty). And declares that the mighty one (Yahweh, Almighty God) created the heavens and the earth. And that certainly established Yahweh’s declaration that He exists! And that had the power and will to create the heavens and the earth.
Yahweh is the one and only mighty one and the Almighty God who IS. Implicit in the foregoing verses is the plain assumption that God exists. God is. To create, you have to be. Interestingly, in describing the meaning of His name, God said to Moses “I am he who is” (Exodus 3: 14 NJB). This is an emphatic and plain statement that Yahweh is, and He states clearly that He is He who is. Hebrews 11:6 states: But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Pascal contended for belief in God and wrote that God either is or isn’t. Reverend Samuel M. Shoemaker wrote several times about the “Romance of Real Religion.” He argued that God either is or He isn’t. You jump one way or the other, said Shoemaker. Bill Wilson picked up on this call for choosing in favor of believing that God exists and is; and Bill wrote that God either is or He isn’t and asked, “What is our choice to be?” Their point: We either choose God and His rewards for those who diligently seek Him, or we face the dismal alternative of life without the mighty one—the Almighty God, named Yahweh—who had and exercised the power to create the heavens and the earth.
Yahweh does not lie. He does not change.
God is no human being that he should lie (Numbers 23:19 NJB)
He does not lie (Titus 1:2 NJB)
I, Yahweh, do not change. . . (Malachi 3:6 NJB)
Here are Some Other Things Yahweh says about Himself
God is love (1 John 4:8, 16).
God is light (1 John 1:5).
God is spirit (John 4:14)
God is the God of power (Ephesians 1:19, 3:20).
God’s word is truth (John 17:17).
God’s word commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves.
Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these (Mark 12:30-31)
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:2-3)
Jesus said that he was giving his listener God’s words of truth and that no man comes to the Father, but by him
I have given them thy word. . . . Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:14, 17)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh to unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6)
Coming to and establishing a sonship relationship with Yahweh, the Father, is based on the verses that tell us that one who desires to be born again of the spirit of God can become a son of God by confessing with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in his heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. That person is then said to have been saved, to have been made righteous by that confession and belief, and to have become a son of God
(Romans 10:9-10; 1 John 4:14-15).
When a child of God obeys God’s commandments, walks in fellowship with Him, His son, and other believers, and walks by the spirit of God rather than by the flesh, that son of God can believe God’s words and receive what God has promised—taking care also to ask in the name of Jesus Christ and ask in accordance with God’s will.
1 John 5:14-15 –
Ask according to His will.
1 John 1: 3-7 –
In Fellowship with the Father, and with His son, and His children
Romans 8:4, 14, NRSV –
Walk, not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit; for all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God
John 14:12-14
And then be able to do the works that Jesus did, asking in Jesus’ name.
Here are some of the things that God promises to them that love Him and their neighbors, and believe on His son:
John 3:16 – Everlasting life.
John 10:10 – A life more than abundant.
Psalm 103 – forgiveness of all iniquities, healing of all diseases, redemption of our lives from destruction, crowning us
with loving kindness and tender mercies.
Romans 3:22-26 - Remissions of sins past.
1 John 1:9 – Forgiveness of sins committed after the new birth and confessed to Him.
3 John 2 – Prosperity and health.
Philippians 3:9 – The righteousness of God by faith.
Philippians 4:19 – That God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:7 – That they shall receive peace of God which passeth all understanding.
1 Corinthians 12 – That born again believers will be able to operate the nine manifestations of the spirit.
Colossians 1:13 – That the Father has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom
of His dear son.
2 Timothy 1:7 – That God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 Peter 2:24 – That Jesus was He “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that, we being dead to
sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes we were healed.”
James 4:7, 10 – That if we submit ourselves therefore to God, Resist the devil; he will flee from us; and that if we
humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, he shall lift us up.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 – That we have received the word of God not as the word of men, but as it is in truth the word
of God, which effectually worketh also in those that believe.
The Real Victory Comes if We Believe the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth Can and Will Do What He Has Promised and Obey Him
That is the “faith” and the “belief” that most of us need to seek, receive, and put in our minds. God heals all our diseases. All of them (Psalm 103:3). First, obey His instructions; and then you can believe that He will do what He says He will do. Exodus 15:26 lays out the full principle:
[Yahweh]. . . said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD [Yahweh] thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give hear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD [Yahweh] that healeth thee
That point.should suffice for this teaching about “faith.” For, with God, nothing is impossible. Nothing is impossible for Yahweh (Genesis 18:14; Luke 1:37, NJB). God is able and willing to do what He promises to do. Abraham believed God and found God performed what God promised:
No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith was reckoned to him as righteousness (Romans 4:20-22 NRSV).
Yahweh made a promise to Abraham’s wife, Sarah, that she could and would bear a child even though she was barren. As He had assured, God did what He had promised her. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time God had promised. . . . and Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him (Genesis 21:1-2, 5NJB).
Several verses from Apostle Paul’s statements about faith in the 10th Chapter of Romans:
But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring Christ up again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach (Romans 10:6-8).
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10).
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (Romans 10:13-16).
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world (Romans 10:18)
Today we are enjoined to receive the word with all readiness of mind and search the scriptures whether those things are so.
Then many may and will believe. And the search requires diligent study:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word. But shun profane and vain babblings for they will increase unto more ungodliness (2 Timothy 2:15-16).
There are Eight Excellent Titles that Illustrate the Fruits that Come from studying the Word and Believing God
Herbert Lockyer. All the Miracles of the Bible: The Supernatural in Scripture – Its Scope and Significance (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1961)
Basil Miller. George Muller: Man of Faith and Miracles (Bethany House, 1972)
F. F. Bosworth. Christ The Healer (Grand Rapids, MI: Fleming H. Revell, 1973)
Morton T. Kelsey. Psychology, Medicine & Christian Healing: A Revised and Expanded Edition of Healing and Christianity (NY: Harper & Row, Publishers, San Francisco, 1988)
Michael Brown. Israel’s Divine Healer (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995)
Brother Andrew, John Sherrill, Jars of Clay, Elizabeth Sherrill. The Narrow Road: Stories of Those Who Walk This Road Together (Revell, Paperback, 2001)
George Barna. Revolution. (The Barna Group. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2005)
James Rutz. Megashift: Igniting Spiritual Power (Colorado Springs: Empowerment Press, 2005)
These eight titles can easily be located on the internet. There are good reviews of each. And I have reviewed each on its Amazon.com listing. Therefore I won’t detail the contents. But I believe that, taken together, these titles mark a new road for believers to take in order to achieve healing, guidance, strength, and victory over life-controlling problems. The authors do not all share the same views or beliefs. But their important contributions to faith and believing can be described in this way:
Lockyer put in one place all the miracles in the Bible. The George Muller book is a long-standing faith/prayer book about how this great believer, bereft of financial resources, nonetheless pursued his life-work believing that God would take care of the needs. Bosworth’s book is a handbook on the Bible’s instructions for healing; and he repudiates the view that the “Age of Miracles” left us. Kelsey brings the reader up to date on the efficacy of healing by the power of God today. Michael Brown’s book is a gem of scholarship written from the perspective of Mesianic Jew who had been living a life of drugs and degradation, was reborn, and tells first hand just how and why Yahweh was and is Israel’s divine healer. He quoted from H. E. Sigerist. Civilization and Disease (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1943) and wrote:
Moreover, in the opinion of Sigerist: “It remained for Christianity to introduce the most revolutionary and decisive change in the attitude of society toward the sick Christianity came into the world as the religion of healing, as the joyful Gospel of the Redeemer and of Redemption. It addressed itself to the disinherited, to the sick and afflicted and promised them healing, a restoration both spiritual and physical.” Thus, “it became the duty of the Christian to attend to the poor and the sick of the community” (Israel’s Divine Healer, p. 66).
The Brother Andrew book is a tribute to the idea that God will fulfill His promises. Brother Andrew served the Creator by delivering Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. God provided his needs, just as His Word promises. Revolution is a challenge to churches to be doers of the word, not hearers only. The book contends that small fellowships can meet together, believe together, and serve together; and that they are doing so today in a way that bespeaks the practices and successes of First Century Christians. Megashift chastises the inertia in most churches today—an apathy which, in the United States, is producing little fruit and ignoring the miracles popping up the world over. The author illustrates the enormous move toward healing and believing in the world. Healings, raising the dead, and the miracles of Jesus and the First Century are becoming commonplace. Megashift points to specific healings, people, and places. And it can and should inspire Christians to take note and follow—believing in the power of God. To open their eyes to the new revolution evolving around the world and to follow its precepts and practices based on the teachings of Christ. To love. To serve. To believe. To be healed. And to heal!
Gloria Deo
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