Let Go... Then Hang on Tight

This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.”  Does God exist? Does God really care about us humans – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine? People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve 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. People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve 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. In this episode Bill and Fr. James explore the next two chapters of John Caputo’s book What to Believe?  The chapters focus on “the Event,” what’s really going on in the name of God. Caputo says, “this is what to believe, what we really can and do believe, regardless of whether we ‘believe in God.’”Show notes:John Caputo’s book What to Believe?

This series addresses what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.”  Does God exist? Does God really care about us humans – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine?People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve 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.In this episode Bill and Fr. James explore the next two chapters of John Caputo’s book What to Believe?  The chapters focus on the roles of mysticism and Jesus within radical theology.Show notes:John Caputo’s book, What to Believe?Tillich’s Sermon on Acceptance:www.wedgeblade.net/files/archives_assets/20810.pdfRecommended books on Jesus:1.)  John Dominic Crossan’s, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography2.)  Marcus J. Borg’s, Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious RevolutionaryRecommended books on physics:1.)  The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra2.)  The Dancing Wuli Masters by Gary ZukavResources for Two Way Prayer: www.twowayprayer.org

This series addresses what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.”  Does God exist? Does God really care about us humans – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine?People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve 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.In this episode Bill and Fr. James explore the next two chapters of John Caputo’s book What to Believe? – Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology. The chapters are titled: Pantheism, That’s Horrible! … & … Do Radical Theologians Pray?

This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.”  Does God exist? Does God really care about us humans – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine?People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve 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 mere speculation.In this episode Fr. Bill is joined by Fr. James R., a recovering Episcopal priest from Central Florida. Together they explore the first two chapters of John Caputo’s book titled: What to Believe? – Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology. The chapters are “God” Does Not Exist & Bridge-Builders and Ground-Diggers.

This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.”  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.In this episode Fr. Bill is joined by Fr. James R., a recovering Episcopal priest from Central Florida. Together they explore a recent book by John D. Caputo titled: What to Believe? – Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology.Show notes:John D. Caputo: What to Believe? – Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology

This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.”  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. In this episode Fr. Bill explores the chapter in the Big Book titled: We Agnostics. In it, Bill Wilson makes every effort to welcome believers and non-believers alike to a spiritual recovery approach. Here he opens the door as wide as possible. Future episodes will explore other books and writers opening inner doors still wider for addicts and alcoholics struggling with “the God problem.”Bill Wilson on Spiritual ExperienceHonest to God by Bishop John A.T. RobinsonMore importantly: What to Believe: Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology by John Caputo 

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/