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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 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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