Again, some might think the Table of Contents as a mere formality to what is contained in the pages that follow it. But my sponsor stressed the importance of understanding that this book was laid out a specific way. In fact, the patterns in this book were the same exact patterns followed by the first 100 members. The chapters were designed to bring about certain ideas and certain changes in attitude. Essentially, the Doctor’s Opinion, Bill’s Story, There is a Solution, and More About Alcoholism outline the problem. We Agnostics, How it Works, and Into Action outline the solution and directions on how to achieve a spiritual experience. Working With Others tells us how to carry the message to other alcoholics. To Wives, The Family Afterward, To Employers, and A Vision for You help us (and our families) practice these principles in all our affairs.
Though it does not show us in the Table of Contents, it is also important to note that, for the most part, pages xxv-23 are going to talk about the part of the disease known as the physical allergy (what happens after we take the first drink). Pages 23-43 are going to discuss the mental obsession (the insane thought of the first drink). And Pages 44-63 are going to talk about the spiritual malady (or unmanageability). This is not a hard and fast rule though. Much is mentioned throughout the first 63 pages that hits on all three areas of the illness. The book also carefully stresses the importance of working with others even in the beginning chapters, preparing the alcoholic for the work and self-sacrifice required for successful practice of this program.
An interesting thing to note: Alcoholics Anonymous has 12 steps, 12 traditions, 12 concepts, 12 (9th step) promises, and (including the Doctor’s Opinion) 12 chapters in the Big Book. Of course, I never had the pleasure of being in contact with Bill Wilson, but after spending a little time in the literature over the years, I have learned that uniformity was incredibly prevalent in everything Bill did.
I have read that his office was always this organized!
(Coming Soon: The Preface)
Derek,
ReplyDeleteI like your work. Funny...I found your blog, searching google for "Bob Oviatt" THE SALESMAN, a story from the first Ed.Big Book.
You are so right about the crisis in AA, but not to worry...I think those that are desperate like you and me find people who work the steps and work with another alcoholic...
I am from the Cornerstone Group, in Dallas, TX.
As a salesman myself I have been to some good mettings in Wichita, KS.
Take Care,
http://davesawakening.blogspot.com/
Dave R.
Thanks for your work, I'm from the line of C. Snyder, BB story The Homebrewmister. Clarence always stressed the worder "recovered" alcoholic. And the importance of working with others. His method of taking someone through the 12 steps works, it worked for me, I was rocketed, and the obsession was removed. I'm fortunate that I found a group big thumpers, that also trained up people to be confident and equipped to take others through the steps. From what little history I know of Bill Wilson and Clarence Snyder bump heads a lot on certain issues such as the 12 traditions and the concepts and somewhere down the line of Clarence we were taught that as long as we do a 10 11 and 12 on a regular basis we only have to do Steps 1-9 1 time if we're thorough. I'm not exactly sure where this came from as my research has recently discovered that dr. Bob spent some time with Dr. Harry Tiebout and Tiebout believed in the Reconstruction of the ego, meaning steps 1-9 + 10,11,12 should be worked and reworked over and over. While Bill Wilson believed in just steps 1-9 and continued steps 10 11 and 12. Which doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me considering Clarence Snyder was sponsored by dr. Bob. Please correct me if I'm wrong on anything I've stated any information or input would be appreciated. Ksander1198@gmail.com
ReplyDelete