Thoughts on Recovery – No. 24 – The 2 books of AA – Which one are you reading?

Dedicated to Russell S He has an excellent talk and describes the 2 books

I agree with Russell. He talks about the two books in AA. One is the not drinking book. People come to AA and read this book and they stay sober. They go to meetings and are active in the fellowship of AA. Some of them don’t want to hear about God and some don’t like big book thumpers. You will sometimes hear they don’t read the big book or work the steps. I am not judging them. Are they just physically sober? Do they have emotional sobriety? Is what they have enough? Are they at peace most of the time ?

For some who come to AA physical sobriety is not enough. They read the God book. This book is designed for the reader to establish a relationship with God. To be of service to him and others. To be the person He created. The big book is about finding a power to live. It’s main object is to enable me to find this power and they give specific directions on how this was achieved. On p 27 it says our stories are to disclose from our point of view how we established our relationship with God. People who wrote this book said the central fact of their lives was the absolute certainty that god has entered into their hearts and lives in a way that is indeed miraculous. Can you say that?

For me sobriety is not enough. I seek emotional sobriety . To live in peace and serenity and to fit myself spiritually to serve God and others. I believe the God book gives me a game plan for living that works under any circumstances. Which book are you reading?  I believe there are many who start out reading the not drinking book and after time start reading the God book.  On the other hand the people reading the God book hardly ever go back to the not drinking book.

This site is designed to expose AA members to the God book and for those already reading it to share the journey . Growing in understanding and effectiveness in the world of the spirit. If you are new I strongly suggest finding a sponsor who will read the big book with you.