Father Bill W.

William Schaberg is the author of an important new book that’s “a must read” for every 12-Step member ready to separate recovery myth from recovery miracle. This episode focuses on chapter one of Schaberg’s sure to be classic Writing the Big Book titled Challenging the Creation Myths.  He and Father Bill explore what Wilson referred to as “the flying blind” period before the Big Book was written. It’s just one of the many myths Schaberg carefully examines as he traces the Big Book’s writing through the critical eye of historical documentation. Myths are not unrealities – they’re expressing truths that are often bigger than reality. You’re sure to find this a fascinating and enlightening discussion.Show Notes:Writing the Big Book by William H. SchabergBill Schaberg’s YouTube ChannelS. H. Hadley Story by William JamesFrank Parkhurst’s story from the Big Book, first edition: https://aamo.info/bb/j41d/bbs_hank_p.htmlControversy regarding Rowland Hazard and the dates of his treatment by Carl Jung: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowland_Hazard_III

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It’s one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you’re ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you. The book is available free through a link in the show notes. This episode explores the concept of GUIDANCE as it was understood and practiced by the AA pioneers. An understanding of Guidance has largely been lost from modern-day 12-Step fellowships. This episode tries to instill in listeners the power of living a God-guided life. Show Notes:     Pdf copy of What is the Oxford Group? https://stepstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/what_is.pdf      The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence / There are many pdf copies available online. A good translation is one by Marshall Davis: https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Modern-English/dp/1521299757   Other helpful books:      David Schoen’s The War of the Gods in Addiction     Thomas R. Kelly’s A Testament of Devotion / Free pdf https://pgadey.com/quaker/Kelly--TestamentOfDevotion.pdf

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It’s one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you’re ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you. The book is available free through a link in the show notes. This episode explores RESTITUTION as it was understood and practiced by the AA pioneers. Making amends for our past wrongs affects others as much as ourselves and requires guidance and courage in knowing how best to proceed. Show Notes: Pdf copy of What is the Oxford Group? https://stepstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/what_is.pdf   Link to the hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kimLXNhzZMA

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It’s one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you’re ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you. The book is available free through a link in the show notes. This episode explores SURRENDER as it was understood and practiced by the AA pioneers. Interestingly, it’s a word that’s never used in the first 164 pages of the Big Book.    Show Notes: What is the Oxford Group? https://stepstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/what_is.pdf

This episode tackles a subject that’s pretty much taboo in 12-Step meetings: SIN. It was a key concept in the Group and Bill Wilson called it by different names in the Big Book. Don’t let prejudice or negative past experiences keep you from listening. You may find a “life-changing” key to your Program. Show Notes: What is the Oxford Group? https://stepstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/what_is.pdf

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It’s one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you’re ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you. This episode completes chapter one and is focused on the Group’s unique use of house-parties and on the Group’s founder Frank Buchman. It’s focused on what AA took forward and what it left behind. Show Notes: Pdf copy of What is the Oxford Group? https://stepstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/what_is.pdf Picture of Caux

Over thirty years ago an AA archivist gave me a book that changed my life. It’s one of the best descriptions of the Oxford Group program out of which AA would later blossom and grow. Published in 1933 and titled WHAT IS THE OXFORD GROUP? the anonymous author lays out many of the principles and practices that Bill Wilson drew from in writing the Big Book. If you’re ready for a life-changing shift to your program, this series may be for you. The book is available free here: https://stepstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/what_is.pdf Pdf copy of What is the Oxford Group?  https://stepstudy.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/what_is.pdf

Michael T. recovered young and has been sober in AA for many years. But when he discovered AA’s original Pioneer Program things inside him started to change. The Four Absolutes took hold and doing God’s will became the driving force. Art was Michael’s means of expression and science fiction began blending with his 12-Step recovery. In this second episode Michael shares a modern recovery myth titled THE KEY OF WILLINGNESS. It’s an old truth set in modern form. Be sure to watch this episode on YouTube to get the full effect. Show notes: The Key of Willingness “Comic Book Myth” Contact Michael:  mct756@gmail.com

Michael T. recovered young and has stayed sober in AA for many years. But when he discovered AA’s original Pioneer Program things inside him began to change. The Four Absolutes took hold and doing God’s will in the world became a driving force. Art became Michael’s means of expression and science fiction began blending with his 12-Step recovery. In this first episode Michael shares his recovery story. He explains how a modern myth found expression in what the Big Book terms, “the fourth dimension of existence.” Buckle your seat belts and come along for the ride! Show Notes:  Silently Seduced by Dr. Kenneth Adams When He’s Married to Mom by Dr. Kenneth Adams Contact Michael:  mct756@gmail.com 

In modern society it appears that many men – and not a few women – are seriously and dangerously out of touch with their emotions. Opportunities abound to isolate and to self-medicate.  When we begin recovery many of us find ourselves emotionally vulnerable and often immature. This series focuses on why this is and offers methods and exercises for connecting with and caring for our emotional selves.  Father Bill continues interviewing therapist Laura Jones Swann, author of Men and Emotions … It’s a Thing. Laura’s worked extensively in the recovery field teaching at several Texas universities. She serves as the guide to a topic that’s relevant both to men and women alike. In this final episode men who’ve found emotional recovery share their powerful stories.  Show Notes: Men and Emotions: It’s a Thing by Laura Swann, MEd. LCDC  You can contact Laura at menandemotionsbook@gmail.com