1
Here was the terrible dilemma in which our friend found himself when he had the extraordinary experience, which as we have already told you, made him a free man.
Here is the terrible dilemma that we face. We can continue hoping that this time it will work for us or we can abandon ideas and attitudes we have held for a lifetime and adopt this completely new way of living. The choice is entirely ours.
2
We, in our turn, sought the same escape, with all the desperation of drowning men.
Our admission of powerlessness makes us willing to try this way that has worked for so many others. If we are not willing, perhaps it is because we still have some faith that somehow we will win out over alcoholism through our own efforts.
3
What seemed at first a flimsy reed, has proven to be the loving and powerful hand of God.
The authors are not asking us to have blind faith, but merely that we give this program an honest try. Our own experience will provide proof that this Power is available to us. All we need to do to begin this new way of life is to follow the path that has been blazed by those who have gone before us.
5-7
The distinguished American psychologist, William James, in his book Varieties of Religious Experience, indicates a multitude of ways in which men have discovered God. We have no desire to convince anyone that there is only one way by which faith can be acquired. If what we have learned, and felt, and seen, means anything at all, it means that all of us, whatever our race, creed, or color, are the children of a living Creator with whom we may form a relationship upon simple and understandable terms as soon as we are willing and honest enough to try.
No one is trying to force their beliefs on us. The authors promise to show us what they have done to recover. If we care to follow their suggestions, then we are promised the same results that they received. Though this may not be the only way, it is a path to a faith that works.
8-12
Those having religious affilitations will find here nothing disturbing to their beliefs or ceremonies. There is no friction among us over such matters.
We think it no concern of ours what religious bodies our members identify themselves with as individuals. This should be an entirely personal affair which each one decides for himself in the light of past associations, or his present choice. Not all of us have joined religious bodies, but most of us favor such memberships.
People of many beliefs, creeds and religions the world over have recovered from alcoholism by using this program of action.
14
Many who once were in this class are now among our members; surprisingly enough, we find such convictions no great obstacle to a spiritual experience.
Agnositcs are those with no direct experience with God working in their lives. Many of us fall into this category. The spiritual program of action produces direct experiences so that we may have a spiritual awakening about which there will be no doubt. To begin, all we need is a willingness to try.
Source:
The Annotated AA Handbook
a companion to the Big Book
Frank D.