Oxford Group founder Frank Buchman committed himself to “changing the world,” one person at a time. Through watching his own experience and then experimenting with others to find what worked with them, he collected a set of spiritual principles and practices that Bill Wilson later formulated into the 12 Steps. In this episode, Fr. Bill explores some of the historical roots of what became our 11th Step.

Show Notes: 

Recovery Tapers Two Way Prayer Workshops:

·  https://www.recoverytapers.com/two-way-prayer

·  Good Morning by Dick B.

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Quiet-Watch-Meditation/dp/1885803222

·  The Secret of Guidance by F.B. Meyer (free pdf version) https://www.ccel.org/m/meyer/guidance/guidance.htm

·  For Sinners Only by A.J. Russell (free pdf version)

https://www.twolisteners.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ForSinnersOnly.pdf

Early AA members listened each morning for God’s Voice. They experienced God guiding them through Two Way Prayer. In this episode, Fr. Bill briefly explores the history of listening to God and attempts to demystify the practice for members of today’s 12-Step fellowships.

Notes: Books: A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly and Good Morning by Dick B.

Many in AA and other 12-Step Fellowships have difficulties with religion and with the Bible. We see ourselves as "spiritual but not religious." In this episode, Fr. Bill shares his own struggles in this area as he focuses on the importance of bringing reading into our daily Quiet Times.

Resources:

·  A good lecture by Dr. Marcus Borg on the problems and future of religion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UsXavOeLbQ

·  If you’d like an electronic or hard copy of the Sermon on the Mount, First Corinthians XIII, and The Letter of James, please write to:  [email protected] / For a free hard copy be sure to include your mailing address.

This series explores Oxford Group and AA Pioneers prayer and meditation practices that formed the bedrock of their recovery. Father Bill uses Good Morning by Dick B. as a source book, quoting and commenting on how Quiet Time and Two Way Prayer were used and how they can transform your recovery today.

Good Morning by Dick B.:  https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Quiet-Watch-Meditation/dp/1885803222

Building on previous episodes in this series, Fr. Bill explores Carl Jung’s paradigm shift suggesting Christ as the archetype of the Self. Christianity holds Jesus to be both “Son of God” and “Son of Man” putting an end to dual consciousness and offering moderns a different way for understanding the Christian faith.

See pdf of Chapter Five Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD: https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger

Father Bill shares his 11th Step experience with over 500 members of the Fellowship of the Spirit Zoom Workshop Group in Toronto, Canada.

Between the literalism of many religionists and the emptiness of modern life lies another way. Connecting with the symbolic life brings needed energy and excitement to the 12-Step recovery journey. Fr. Bill continues Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype with Chapter Four: “The Search for Meaning.” The episode uses a gnostic poem The Hymn of the Pearl as an example. (A pdf version of Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype is in the show notes.)

Show Notes: Ego and Archetype by Edward Edinger, PhD

https://www.academia.edu/8148769/Ego_and_Archetype_Edward_Edinger

 Fr. Bill concludes Chapter Three in Edinger’s book Ego and Archetype.

The episode focuses on staying connected to our Higher Self to find our meaning and purpose – especially when things aren’t going our way. (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

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