Father Bill W.

Fr. Bill explores Edinger’s Third Chapter titled: “Encounter with the Self.” He looks at how religion (or the program) can act as “middleman” between us and God. This can work, but at a price. The price is not growing into a more mature self. (Again, a pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes.)  Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger

Hitting bottom always comes before recovery. The way UP first leads us DOWN. In this episode Fr. Bill explores some of the psychological and spiritual forces at work in discovering what many of us call “the gift of desperation.” In traditional religious language it’s called our time in the wilderness or the dark night of the soul. No pain no gain! (Again, a pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes.)  Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger

Many addicts have a deep sense of “never fitting in” even before they started using addictive substances. This episode explores the inner-wounding to the vital connecting link between the ego and the Self. Father Bill explains why ACCEPTANCE proves so critical in recovery and how it helps repair the damaged link. (A pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes.) Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger

This series traces our physical and spiritual life-cycle from birth, to rebirth, to death. Building on the work of Jungian analyst Edward Edinger, Fr. Bill simplifies Edinger’s insights and applies them to 12-Step recovery. In this episode we explore the formation of the Ego and how human beings begin relating to the “Higher Power.” A pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes. Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger

Drawing from Houston Smith’s classic The World’s Religions, Father Bill concludes the series focusing on six elements common to all religions: authority, ritual, speculation, tradition, God’s sovereignty, and mystery. These elements are also subject to abuse and these dangers are covered as well. Houston Smith’ World Religions: (pdf. Version) https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-worlds-religions-our-great-wisdom-traditions-e156848105.html /

Many in recovery find Buddhist philosophy and meditation a tremendous aid to their spiritual journey. Fr. Bill’s guest is Kevin G. a gifted Buddhist author and teacher in long term recovery from addiction. Kevin is the author One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps. The Buddha’s enlightenment and Kevin’s simple teaching style have much to offer addicts in the ongoing search to overcome our suffering. See the links below to contact Kevin directly. Kevin’s website: www.kevingriffin.net The Buddhist Recovery Network: www.buddhistrecovery.org Houston Smith’ World Religions: (pdf.) https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-worlds-religions-our-great-wisdom-traditions-e156848105.html Article on Jesuit Brother Bob Maat: https://contemplativealliance.org/2017/01/12/a-saint-named-bob

Fr. Bill’s guest is Sinan K. from Istanbul, Turkey. Sinan was born and raised in the Muslim faith but could only find his recovery through AA. In Arabic, the word “Islam” means “surrender.” Realizing this connection opened the door to Step One and led him to a deeper practice of his faith where he explores the Sufi or mystical dimensions of his religion.  This is a lively discussion. If you wish to contact Sinan, please write us at twowayprayer@gmail.com Salaam Alaikum!

Fr. Bill shares his recovery story along with the understanding of the 12 Steps he discovered studying AA history. If you’re into following Dr. Bob’s advice to “keep it simple” this episode may be just what the Doctor ordered! Enjoy!

Fr. Bill’s guest was born into the Hindu faith in India. A member of the Brahmin class, he studied his religion intently but could only find recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous 26 years ago. Now living in Dallas, Vasu still serves his community by bringing workshops and AA retreats to alcoholics in his native land.  If you wish to contact Vasu, please write: TwoWayPrayer@Gmail.com/ Namaste!

Fr. Bill’s guest has over 40 years in AA journeying from a Catholic kid in Philadelphia to an Orthodox Jew and stand-up comedian in Israel. Balancing tragedy and comedy, he works at the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem and takes great joy helping newcomers find both sobriety and fun in recovery. Here’s a link to his full AA story. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yisrael+c+aa To contact him, write me at TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com/ and I’ll happily forward it. Shalom!