Spiritual AND Religious: AA's Roots in Religion

Father Bill continues a series of interviews with Stephen R. Haynes, professor of religious studies at Rhodes College and adjunct professor of recovery at Fuller Theological Seminary. Stephen’s new book Why Can’t the Church Be More Like an AA Meeting? explores the similarities and differences between communities of faith and communities of recovery. Stephen has traveled both worlds and shares insights and experiences gained along the way. This episode explores the Oxford Group, its founder Frank Buchman, and the religious background from which they came as well as exploring the balancing of religion and recovery. Show Notes: Why Can’t Church Be More Like an AA Meeting? by Stephen R. Haynes. Biography of Frank Buchman See: Garth Lean; On the Tail of a Comet Sample of Thomas Power’s speaking at an AA conference Rupert Sheldrake

Om Podcasten

I’m an Episcopal (Anglican) priest in recovery from alcoholism since 1972. I've spent my career in addiction treatment focused on 12-Step spirituality and exploring the pioneer history of AA. In discovering the lost 11th Step practice of Two Way Prayer, my program underwent a life-changing transformation. As Bill Wilson said, “ something was lost from AA when we stopped emphasizing the morning meditation." My mission now is helping people in 12-Step Fellowships explore a deeper understanding of spiritual practice and how it connects us to the "Great Reality" within. -Fr. Bill W.