Learning A.A.'s Six Major Spiritual Roots

Last updated:
May 21, 2008

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"Learning A.A.'s Six Major Spiritual Roots"

A.A. co-founder Bill W. pointed out many times that Alcoholics Anonymous was not invented (As Bill Sees It, p. 67). He said that every one of its principles was borrowed (A.A. Comes of Age, pp. 231-32). And it is quite clear today just where the principles came from; for there were six major sources - all thoroughly documented as to their contribution.

The Bible: A.A.'s basic ideas came from the Bible (DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, pp. 96-97). For details, see Dick B., The Good Book and The Big Book: A.A.'s Roots in the Bible.

Quiet Time and the daily devotionals such as The Upper Room (DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, pp. 71, 136, 139-40, 151, 178, 220, 310-11). For details, see Dick B., Good Morning!: Quiet Time, Morning Watch, Meditation, and Early A.A.

The teachings of the Rev. Sam Shoemaker, Rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in New York (The Language of the Heart, pp. 298, 177-178). For details, see Dick B., New Light on Alcoholism: The A.A. Legacy from Sam Shoemaker.

The Life-changing program of the Oxford Group (A.A. Comes of Age, p. 39; Pass It On, pp. 197, 169, 171-72; Bill W., p. 239). For details, see Dick B., The Oxford Group & Alcoholics Anonymous: A Design for Living that Works.

Anne Smith's Spiritual Journal - the journal kept and shared from 1933 to 1939 by Dr. Bob's wife with alcoholics and their families (The Language of the Heart, pp. 356-57; Pass It On, p. 147). For details, see Dick B., Anne Smith's Journal, 1933-1939.

The Christian literature early AAs read for spiritual growth (DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, pp. 71, 96, 111, 131, 141, 144, 150-51, 178, 220, 309-11). For details, see Dick B., Dr. Bob's Library, Anne Smith's Journal, The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous, The Books Early AAs Read for Spiritual Growth; and Pittman, A.A.: The Way It Began.

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