Rev. Sam Shoemaker: Lessons for the Church from AA
Now perhaps the time has come for the church to be reawakened and revitalized by those insights and practices found in AA.
Curious about how the church and Alcoholics Anonymous intersect? In this engaging episode, Father Bill W., an Episcopal priest with decades of sobriety under his belt, dives into a significant piece by Rev. Sam Shoemaker. Shoemaker, a key figure in the Oxford Group, played a crucial role in shaping the 12 Steps that are central to AA.
Titled 'What the Church Has to Learn from Alcoholics Anonymous', this writing explores how AA's principles can offer profound insights for the church community. Father Bill reads Shoemaker's article in its entirety, shedding light on how honesty, conversion, fellowship, and witness—core tenets of AA—can enrich church practices. It's a fascinating look at how spiritual and religious paths can converge to foster deeper connections and more authentic lives.
Whether you're in recovery, part of a 12-Step fellowship, or simply interested in the spiritual dimensions of sobriety, this episode offers a unique perspective on bridging gaps between different forms of spiritual practice. Tune in for an enriching discussion that highlights the transformative power of integrating AA's wisdom into broader spiritual contexts.