The Beginnings of a Way of Life! (Part 1)

Steps to the Spirit

I have been thinking about all of the information that I have been talking about in these podcasts. Of course, it is all about the 12 steps. However, lately I have been feeling like I haven’t given enough background on what the 12 steps are all about and how they got started. So I am going to use the next (few) episodes to talk about but I feel are the real origins of the 12 step program.

Most of you who have been with me for a while are aware that I use the first edition of what is commonly referred to as, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. I refer to the first edition of this book because I assume it is copyright free. Also, most of you are aware that this 12 step programs was originally created in order to help folks with problems concerning the use of alcohol.

I am also certain that most of you know my feelings about these 12 steps. I believe they are in a spiritual way of life, designed according to the spiritual direction and protection of God, (whatever you may concede God to be). I am certainly not saying that by using this program in their purely psychological way or method, that it is not helpful and sometimes miraculous. What I am saying is that by using this program without the overall understanding of God’s inclusion, well, I feel that those who do will ultimately be lacking the full experience of this beautiful way of life.

For now, I am including below, but are commonly referred to as the first six steps of the 12 step program. Legend has it that a friend of Bill Wilson, (Ebby), gave a hastily written note to him and these steps were written on.

If you are familiar with the 12 steps, and the 12 step program, you will easily make the connection. If you are new, I’m sure you will also make the connection in very short time. The next few podcasts will address this connection between the 12 step program and what is commonly known as the Oxford Group.

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Step 1: Admitted hopeless

Step 2: Got honest with self

Step 3: Got honest with another

Step 4: Made amends

Step 5: Helped others without demand

Step 6: Prayed to God as you understand him

it is my feeling that the 12 steps were not just influenced by the Oxford group, but were basically modeled from it, almost entirely. I hope you enjoy the podcasts.