Missouri District 16 Area 38
The Religious View
On A.A.
Clergymen of practically every
denomination have given A.A. their blessing. Edward Dowling, S.J. of
the Queen's Work staff says, "Alcoholics Anonymous is natural; it is
natural at the point where nature comes closest to the supernatural,
namely in humiliations and in consequent humility. There is
something spiritual about an art museum or a symphony, and the
Catholic Church approves of our use of them. There is something
spiritual about A.A. too, and Catholic participation in it almost
invariably results in poor Catholics becoming better Catholics."
The Episcopal magazine, The Living Church, observes editorially: "The
basis of the technique of Alcoholics Anonymous is the truly
Christian principle that a man cannot help himself except by helping
others. The A.A. plan is described by the members themselves as
'self-insurance.' This self-insurance has resulted in the
restoration of physical, mental and spiritual health and
self-respect to hundreds of men and women who would be hopelessly
down and out 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 psychologically speaking there is a point of advantage
in the approach that is being made in this movement that cannot be
duplicated. I suspect that if it is wisely handled-and it seems to
be in wise and prudent hands-there are doors of opportunity ahead of
this project that may surpass our capacities to imagine."
*Reprinted from Alcoholics Anonymous, page 574, with permission of A.A.
World Services, Inc.
As you are aware, alcoholism is recognized as a disease. While there
is continuing controversy concerning the disease concept of
alcoholism, the fact remains that the Fellowship of Alcoholics
Anonymous provides an effective approach to ending problem drinking.
Millions of Alcoholics (problem drinkers) have stopped (recovered)
from their downward spiral of drinking. Why debate the question? If
a recovery approach works, why not use it?
We of AA want to help your church members that suffer from
alcoholism to recover from their disease and be restored to their
place in society. If you have a member that has a drinking problem
and wants to stop drinking have them call our answering service
number 636-239-0855 or direct them to an open AA meeting in the
Directory at the bottom of this page. If your church group or
society is interested in learning more about resources available
from AA contact the Public Information/ Cooperation with the
Professional Community (PI/CPC) Committee at 636-239-0855. We can
provide literature for your office and AA speakers for groups or
individuals.
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