What's a Spiritual Experience?

This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.”  In episode 1 "Bill Wilson's Spiritual Experiences" we explore: Does God exist? Does God really care about us – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine?People have been asking these questions for as long as human beings have been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation.Bill Wilson was one of those men in such desperate need. In this episode Fr. Bill traces some of the lesser-known events that preceded Bill Wilson’s famous “White Light” experience in detox. Through these encounters the door of Bill’s mind and heart can be seen opening to a divine, healing Presence that would soon bring about his release from addiction. Future episodes will attempt to open inner doors for addicts and alcoholics struggling with the spiritual approach used in 12-Step recovery.Show notes:Bill W. My First 40 Yearshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1568383738/ref=sr_aod_dp_img

Two Way Prayer is part of a longer morning prayer practice. In this episode Fr. Bill details what that time might involve and how Two Way Prayer fits into it.Show notes:Good Morning by Dick B.https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Quiet-Watch-Meditation/dp/1885803222A Book of Psalms by Stephen MitchellThe Three Scripture Readings AA’s Co-Founder Dr. Bob Considered Essential

Dr. Bob begged Bill Wilson to “keep it simple.” In that same spirit, the Oxford Group often compacted their program of change down to three short words: CONNECTION – CORRECTION – DIRECTION. In this bonus episode Fr. Bill reviews the 12-Steps in light of these, giving listeners a simpler understanding of the “change” we need to undergo for recovery. Show notes: Jean Brown pamphlet

Why do alcoholics and drug addicts find it so hard to quit and stay quit?  Is addiction really a disease? And if it is, how’s it best treated?It’s been over a hundred years since Dr. William Silkworth formulated his “allergy theory” that appeared in the Big Book. Since then, science has learned a whole lot more about both the physical and psychological dimensions underlying addiction. In this episode Fr. Bill interviews addictionologist Doctor Nicole T. Labor, DO, author of The Addictoholic Deconstructed. Her book provides the general reader and those in recovery with a much-needed primer on the brain chemistry that underlies addiction. Dr. Labor shares her story of recovery and her passion for helping both addicts and family members recover. You’ll find her knowledgeable, dedicated, and pretty damned funny. Her book is available in the show notes below. Show notes:The Addictoholic Deconstructed by Nicole T. Labor, DO, BCFP,BCABAM, FASAMDr. Labor’s website and contact information: https://www.theaddictsdoc.com/

When setting off on any journey, it’s best to know your intended destination in advance. On the 12th Step journey, to use the Big Book’s original wording, that means following the 12 Steps to arrive at a transformational spiritual experience - one powerful enough to overcome addiction. Of course, the wording of the 12th Step was soon changed to “a spiritual awakening” not wanting to scare newcomers away. But when Bill Wilson tried changing it back to the original, AA wouldn’t let him.This single episode describes the “psychic change” the Steps are intended to bring about using three quotes to describe the experience. First, a definition that originated with William James in his Varieties of Religious Experience; second, the description contained in the Big Book; and finally, a helpful quote from Jungian author Robert A. Johnson’s book Transformation.  These quotes are contained in a handout found in the show notes.Show notes: What Is a Psychic Change or Spiritual ExperienceQuantum Change by Professor William MillerTransformation by Robert A. JohnsonJung’s Answer to Job https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Answer_to_Job

David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted.David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child.This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.”In this final episode Dave’s early Oxford Group goal of “world changing” may have traveled full circle. It’s reminiscent of the poet T.S Elliott’s famous lines:We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.Show notes:David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ ChildDave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis:https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_Dave’s website: https://www.davidbelden.com/Dave doing a recent book reading at his Unitarian Universalist Church:https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=wm#inbox/QgrcJHsHpqWKvMChSdmxXjJNlDCGCJGCgHL?projector=1This Is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt Is Shaping the Twenty-First Century by Paul and Mark EnglerHow 12 Step Programs Can Help Build Healthier Movementshttps://wagingnonviolence.org/2025/10/how-12-step-programs-can-help-build-healthier-movements/

David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted.David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child.This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.”This third episode traces the origins of many of the 12 Steps as they were practiced among members of the Group. Remember, Bill Wison said he derived no fewer than ten of his twelve Steps straight from his experience within the Oxford Group. They had no Steps, but they were well on their way to finding the Answer!Show notes:David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ ChildDave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis:https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_

David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted.David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child.This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.”This second episode takes a deep dive into Dave’s immersion in the Group, what that was like, what happened, and what it’s like now. It’s quite a ride!Show notes:David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ ChildDave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis:https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_ For Sinners Only by A.J. RussellThe Christ of the Indian Road by E. Stanley Jones (free pdf)This Is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt Is Shaping the Twenty-First Century by Paul and Mark EnglerHow 12 Step Programs Can Help Build Healthier Movements

David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted.David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child.This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.”The first episode briefly introduces David’s story to listeners after which he and Fr. Bill explore the life of Oxford Group founder Frank Buchman.                           Show notes:David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ ChildDave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis:https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_For Sinners Only by A.J. Russell (used books are getting expensive. This is the cheapest I found)

Prof. Miller's book Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives has been described as the most definitive work on the subject of religious experiences since William James' Varieties of Religious Experience. The latter has had a profound influence on AA and Bill Wilson’s development of the 12-Steps, and this book brings the subject into the modern era.  Fr. Bill interviews Professor Miller in an audio only format.Show notes:Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives by Professor William R. MillerWhat AA Has to Teach the Church by Sam Shoemaker / pdf on Step Study