+ Last updated:
 May 21, 2008

Alcoholics Anonymous History
The First Nationwide A.A. History Conference

By Dick B.

For the first time in decades, a nationwide A.A. History Conference was convened in Phoenix  with A.A. writer, historian, retired attorney, recovered A.A., and Bible student Dick B. as the principal presenter.  He was joined by Bob S., son of A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob, and by Ray G., archivist at Dr. Bob's Home in Akron "where it all began."

The author covered several of the least-discussed topics in present-day 12 Step fellowships. First, came the conference theme topic--God, Alcoholism, and A.A. With it, came a review of miraculous cures by the power of God, as related in the Old Testament, the Gospels, the Book of Acts, the apostolic days, the religious healers through the ages, the faith healings in the Missions, the Salvation Army, the Keswick movement, and in the 1920's and 1930's. Next, the spiritual beginnings of A.A., highlighting the Christian Endeavor/Bible/Dr. Bob Roots in Akron, and the Sam Shoemaker/Oxford Group/Bill W. Roots in New York. Then, a detailed review of the 7 point program of early Akron A.A.--which produced the astonishing successes. Then, how the Akron Pioneer Program was actually conducted by the pioneer 40 members. Next, the three Bible roots of A.A. (the Book of James, Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians 13). These were stated by Dr. Bob to be "absolutely essential in the early program. Next, the specific ideas Bill Wilson took from the books, sermons, and writings of Rev. Sam Shoemaker at the New York Scene. And finally, a challenge showing what reliance on the Creator can still do for alcoholics and addicts that was accomplished by them in their cures in early A.A.

This powerful review of the cures, divine aid, Bible basics, and God-centered elements of early A.A. tells it all, from an historical standpoint. Tells it as it has never been told before to an audience of AAs and their families--hungry for the details of how it really worked in pioneer days. And why!

Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 121 pp.; 6 x 9; perfect bound; 2006; $21.95; ISBN 1-885803-92-3.

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Contact:
Dick B.
P.O. Box 837
Kihei, Hawaii
96753-0837
Ph/fax: 808-874-4876
dickb@dickb.com

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