AA and William James; Step One
Fr. Bill’s guest is Paul S., author of a new book on William James, known as the Father of American psychology and twice referenced in the Big Book. This episode explores the underlying feeling state of most addicts as we first discover the mystical elements of drugs and alcohol only to be thrown into the dark places, they ultimately lead us. Step One comes alive in the discussion and gives listeners a deeper appreciation of how the seeds of recovery are present within the pain. The series will examine James in reference to each of the 12-Steps. Paul’s new book Titled “We Agnostics: William James…” is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Agnostics-Psychology-Spiritual-Addiction-Venerated/dp/B09JRD6VX2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=46V4YIM5PRWM&keywords=we+agnostics+how+william+james&qid=1639860009&s=books&sprefix=we+agnostics%2Cstripbooks%2C90&sr=1-1/ The original Varieties of Religious Experience is available free in pdf form: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621 An excellent biography of William James is by Robert D. Richardson. His section covering James’ delivery of the lectures that formed the book VRE is helpful in putting James’ work in clear context. It’s available here: https://www.amazon.com/William-James-Maelstrom-American-Modernism/dp/0618919899 Fr. Bill referenced a set of quotes from the Big Book related to HOPELESSNESS. If you would like a copy, please write to him at: TwoWayPrayer@gmail.com If this has been helpful to you, please like, subscribe, and share.