VI. THE RELIGIOUS VIEW ON A.A.

(pp. 170)

Below is a plain language version of this section of Alcoholics Anonymous. The quotes from experts that you see here have been simplified and paraphrased.

Faith leaders from almost every religious tradition have given A.A. their blessing.

Edward Dowling, S.J.,¹ who works for a Jesuit project called the Queen's Work, says, “Alcoholics Anonymous sits at the point where nature meets the supernatural. It helps people understand how feeling humiliated is a first step toward becoming humble. There is something spiritual about an art museum or a symphony, and the Catholic Church supports people enjoying these things. There is something spiritual about A.A., too, and Catholic participation in the program almost always results in struggling Catholics becoming better Catholics.”

The Episcopal magazine, The Living Church, wrote: “The idea that Alcoholics Anonymous is built on is the truly Christian principle that people cannot help themselves unless they are helping others. A.A. members describe the program as 'self-insurance'. This self-insurance has helped fix the physical, mental, and spiritual health and self-respect of hundreds of people who would feel hopeless without its unique but effective therapy.”

Speaking at a dinner given by John D. Rockefeller Jr. to introduce Alcoholics Anonymous to some of his friends, Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick remarked:

“I think that the A.A. approach has a psychological advantage that no other recovery program can copy. I believe that if the program is wisely handled, it may grow and expand in positive ways that we can't possibly imagine right now.”

¹Father Ed, an early and wonderful friend of A.A., died in the spring of 1960.