I have engaged in what I believed was healthy debate about passages in the Big Book, what I believe to be an intolerant religious slant in meetings and a host of other things over the years. Most of the time I believed (and still do) that my intention was to speak up for the newcomer. I've changed my tune recently after reading a short excerpt from a fellow named Hugh Prather. His estate has given me permission to use this here:
There was born, on the vast and verdant moon of Unah, a child who came from his mother's womb holding a small book in his arms. Whenever anyone would attempt t remove the book, the infant would cry so loudly that the pain of the sound would force even the deaf to desist. The child grew up to be the great prophet Sirna, and the book became the holy scripture of the land.
One day, two of Sirna's students approached the master and said, "There is much in The Book over which we contend, and after many months of discussion we are unable to resolve our differences. Would you, Master, hear our dispute and give us the answers we need?"
Sirna looked up and said, "Do you see the goat on the hill before us? Go and give the goat The Book and he will answer the dispute."
The students were appalled, "But, Master," they said, "if we give The Book to the goat, he will eat it,"
Sirna answered, "It is better that The Book make a goat happy than come between any two people."
AA and The Big Book have helped millions. I do not believe that it is perfect but it is a sad legacy if it comes between any two people.
Give me a day online and I simply can't stop posting...I've missed the opportunity to do so.
AA and The Big Book have helped millions. I do not believe that it is perfect but it is a sad legacy if it comes between any two people.
I look at it like.....It has helped millions that followed the clear cut directions that show exactly how the original members recovered. It works. Plain and simple. As far as debating it goes....I heard a guy say...
If the Big Book says it....I believe it....That settles it.
If the Big Book says it....I believe it....That settles it.
That works for me.
Me too, Stepchild. I was referring to the parts that seem to contradict each other. And to be clear, I am not saying that it does - just that some people do and discussions over such matters often become heated and divisive.
Not yet back for good but I do have internet for the day, albeit I'm on a child's Crayola keyboard that doesn't have all the buttons. :) It is so good to see you - and life here is wonderful.
I am grateful for your posts Angell. I enjoyed reading excerpts from your book on your profile page. Hopefully you will be able to find another keyboard soon as the one you said you are using sounds like it would be very difficult to type on and may also slow you down quite a bit.
