Extracts
from our forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/aacultwatch
under thread: “aacultwatch forum daily reflections”
“(The
original strong and simple group purpose was thus dissipated in
fruitless controversy and divergent aims.) And again, ‘Some [of the
Washingtonian
local groups] dipped into their treasuries to finance their own
publications. There was no overall editorial policy”. -Bill
W. (AA Grapevine August 1945. Language of the Heart page 5)
“We
are sure that if the original Washingtonians could return to this
planet they would be glad to see us learning from their mistakes.
They would not regard our observations as aimless criticism. Had we
lived in their day we might have made the same errors. Perhaps we
are beginning to make some of them now.” - Bill W. (AA
Grapevine August 1945. Language of the Heart page 5)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washingtonian_movement
“We
envisaged the writing of a uniform A.A. literature, the
development of a sound public relations policy..” – Bill W. 1962
(Concept I)
“Our
literature is a principle means by which A.A. recovery, unity, and
service are facilitated” – Bill W. 1962 (Concept XI).
"1939,
Psychiatrist Dr. W.D. Silkworth M.D.
“These
ex-alcoholic men and women number about one hundred at present. One
Group is scattered along the Atlantic seaboard with New York as a
center. Another and somewhat larger body is located in the Middle
West… … … The fellowship is entirely indifferent concerning the
individual manner of spiritual approach so long as the patient is
willing to turn his life and his problems over to the care and
direction of his creator. The patient may picture the Deity in any
way he likes. No effort whatever is made to convert him to some
particular faith or creed. Many creeds are represented among the
group and the greatest harmony prevails. It is emphasized that the
fellowship is non-sectarian and that the patient is entirely free
to follow his own inclination. Not a trace of aggressive
evangelism is exhibited… … … Considering the presence of
the religious factor, one might expect to find an unhealthy
emotionalism and prejudice. This is not the case, however; on the
contrary there is an instant readiness to discard old methods for new
ones which produce better results.” Dr. W.D Silkworth M.D. (A
New Approach to Psychotherapy in Chronic Alcoholism,” Journal Lancet, July 1939; A.A. Comes
of Age, appendix E:a, pages 304-305)"
"1942
“Most
of us in Akron didn’t like all this praying,’ said Oscar.
‘We’d had enough of it in the Oxford Group. I still don’t like
praying in A.A. I don’t like the Serenity Prayer. New York brought
it in, and we resented it. We thought they were bringing back the
Oxford Group” - Akron 1942, recalled by Oscar W. (Dr.Bob and
the Good Old Timers, page 271)"
(our
emphases)
Comment:
So there is some point to AA Conference Approved literature after
all!
Cheerio
The
Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
