The Son of a Preacher Man

Page: 55

Step we are on: Step Two

Chapter: "We Agnostics"

Subject: Depression, PTSD, Suicide, Financial Loss, Atheism

Good morning. Now the co-authors tell us of a very interesting individual--who experienced many of the difficulties that many of us alcoholics are also familer.Financial loss, sickness and suicide in his family brought him to depression, PTSD, failing health and suicidal ideation. How many of us are familiar with some or all of these? Many.

None of these are ‘modern’ problems, they just have modern names. He found a solution to these problems, common to alcoholics, through the spiritual recovery offered - even though he thought he could fancy himself a non-believer. 

• If you can believe our stories, you will be able to do what?

If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway.

That's where the newcomers are! Once the alcoholic recovers he can join us there in our prospecting efforts - not until then.

•  What comes with this attitude?  (Two sentences)

With this attitude you cannot fail. The consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you.

Is there a story of an atheist in this Book?

In this book you will read the experience of a man who thought he was an atheist.

"Thought" he was an atheist. Most atheists only "think" they are -- as we just learned on page 55 that, "deep down in every man, woman, and child, is the fundamental idea of God."

Even atheists have that fundamental God idea, although they may hate to admit it. Ironically, anyone affirming themselves, "Atheist," are declaring membership in a certain belief system.

• Why is it being mentioned at this point?

His story is so interesting that some of it should be told now.

• Could it be that he had a spiritual experience as the result of trying this Program?

His change of heart was dramatic, convincing, and moving.

The Big Book is full of "dramatic" spiritual conversions like these. They were common occurrences amongst those who were pursuing the spiritual program of action delineated in this book. 

QUESTION: Are these kinds dramatic spiritual occurrences as frequent today in the fellowship?

Page 56

• What kind of a childhood did this man have?

Our friend was a minister's son.

Which means he was no stranger to the "God idea"

TOMORROW

·        How had he come to feel about religious matters?

·        Was his life one of happiness and peace of mind?

·        What things did he experience?

·        How did they affect him?

·        But that was not all.  What else?

·        Where did he wind up?

Also: Why The Minister's  Son is not very popular in AA.

Peace and  Love,

Danny S – RLRA

Real Live Recovered Alcoholic

 http://stepelevencomesalive.blogspot.com/