Vivian Marlowe
The Akron genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous is a book by Dick B. that traces the origins of the recovery program from its roots in the Akron, Ohio home of co-founders Dr. Robert Smith and Bill Wilson. The book covers the specific contributions of T. Henry, Clarace Williams, Henrietta Seiberling, Bill Wilson, and Dr. Bob and Anne Smith. It also talks about the early days of A.A. and the Oxford Group, and the roles of the founding workers. The book provides an introduction to the forces, personalities, and core groups that provide the spiritual base for AA and other 12-step programs.
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What You'll Learn
The book's author, Dick B
Dick B. (1925-2015) was an author, retired attorney, Bible student, and Christian recovery leader. He was also an active, recovered member of Alcoholics Anonymous with more than 29 years of continuous sobriety. He sponsored over 100 men in their recovery from alcoholism. Consistent with A.A.'s traditions of anonymity, he used the pseudonym "Dick B."
Dick B. became interested in Bible study as a child in Sunday School and was inspired by his mother’s almost daily study of Scripture. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he received his A.A. degree in economics with honors. He also received his A.B. and J.D. degrees from Stanford University, and was Case Editor of the Stanford Law Review.
In his book, "The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous," Dick B. traces the origins of the recovery program from its roots in the Akron, Ohio home of co-founders Dr. Robert Smith and Bill Wilson. The book details the specific contributions of several individuals to A.A. at its birthplace in Akron, including T. Henry and Clarace Williams, Henrietta Seiberling, Bill Wilson, and Dr. Bob and Anne Smith. It covers the when, where, and how of A.A.'s birth, including surrenders, hospitalization, meetings, literature, Bible study, and prayer and meditation.
Dick B. also learned during his research about a critical event in the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous: Bill's "vital religious experience" at Towns Hospital, after which Bill said he never again doubted the existence of God and never drank again. Dick B. learned that Bill believed that God had commissioned him to "fix" all the drunks in the world, and that when Bill was discharged from the hospital on December 18, 1934, he went into the streets and hospitals with a Bible under his arm, telling other alcoholics they must give their lives to God.
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$24.5
The role of the Bible
The book 'The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous' by Dick B. traces the origins of the recovery program from its roots in the Akron, Ohio home of co-founders Dr. Robert Smith and Bill Wilson. It is not intended to be a guidebook but rather an introduction to the forces, personalities, and core groups that provide the spiritual base for AA and other 12-step programs.
The book details the specific contributions to AA that T. Henry and Clarace Williams, Henrietta Seiberling, Bill Wilson, and Dr. Bob and Anne Smith made at AA's Akron birthplace. It covers the when, where, and how of AA's birth, including surrenders, hospitalization, meetings, literature, Bible study, and prayer and meditation.
The author also learned during his research that following Bill's "vital religious experience" at Towns Hospital, Bill said he never again doubted the existence of God and never drank again for the rest of his life. As part of his experience, Bill believed that God had commissioned him to "fix" all the drunks in the world. When Bill was discharged from the hospital on December 18, 1934, he went into the streets, hospitals, and hotels with a Bible under his arm, telling drunks they must give their lives to God.
The book also talks about the roots of Akron AA in the United Society of Christian Endeavor. Dick B.'s research and writing shifted emphasis to how the successes of early Akron AAs could be attributed to the power and love of God and the truth of His Word. The book covers the many truths from the Bible, including how to come to God through His Son Jesus Christ, how to be healed, how to comport oneself in accordance with Christian principles, how to pray, and how to receive guidance as one of God's children.
The Bible is clear that sin is not simply a shortcoming or character defect but a fatal wound that is only cured by the blood of Christ. While the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous are not explicitly biblical, there is no doubt that the Twelve-Step program has helped thousands of alcoholics gain sobriety.
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The importance of family participation
The book titled, 'The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous' by B. Dick, provides a detailed account of the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in Akron, Ohio, the birthplace of the program. It highlights the contributions of individuals such as T. Henry and Clarace Williams, Henrietta Seiberling, Bill Wilson, and Dr. Bob and Anne Smith. This book is a valuable resource for understanding the history and development of AA, and how it can help families today.
Family participation is integral to the success of individuals struggling with alcoholism and their journey towards recovery. Alcoholism is a family disease, impacting not only the individual but also their loved ones. The involvement of family members in the recovery process can provide essential support, fostering an environment conducive to healing.
Alcoholism affects families in numerous ways, including emotional, financial, and interpersonal challenges. Family members often experience a range of emotions, such as guilt, shame, anger, and helplessness. They may also face financial difficulties due to the impact of the disease on the breadwinner's ability to work or the financial strain of managing the disease. Interpersonal relationships within the family can become strained, with trust and communication often breaking down.
The participation of families in support groups like Al-Anon, a Twelve Step program specifically designed for families concerned about a loved one's drinking problem, can be transformative. By joining these groups, family members can gain a better understanding of alcoholism, learn effective coping strategies, and develop a stronger support network. They can share experiences, offer mutual encouragement, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their struggles.
Additionally, family involvement in the recovery process can provide a sense of accountability and motivation for the individual struggling with alcoholism. Knowing that their family is actively engaged in their journey can be a powerful incentive to stay on track. Family members can also play a crucial role in helping their loved one avoid triggers, maintain abstinence, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
In conclusion, family participation is of paramount importance in the Alcoholics Anonymous program. By actively involving families, AA not only supports the individual's recovery but also helps heal the entire family unit. Together, they can navigate the challenges of alcoholism, fostering a stronger, more resilient family dynamic.
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The Oxford Group
Bob Smith struggled with secret drinking, but his life changed after he met Ebby Thacher, a fellow alcoholic who had found sobriety through the Oxford Group. Thacher shared his spiritual experience with Smith, and Smith went on to co-found AA with Bill Wilson in 1935. Wilson, too, had overcome his alcoholism through the Oxford Group's teachings, which he had learned about from Thacher and Rowland Hazard, another alcoholic who credited the group with his recovery.
However, by 1939, AA and the Oxford Group had begun to follow separate paths. Frank Buchman, the leader of the Oxford Group, addressed the Akron group in 1938 and proclaimed a need for ""moral re-armament". This expression became the new name of the Oxford Group movement, and it continued to evolve and help people with its 12-step programs. Nonetheless, the early AA members in Akron maintained their Oxford Group ties until 1939, recognizing the important role the group played in their recovery and the development of AA.
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The impact of Dr. Bob
Dr. Bob Smith, born on August 8, 1879, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, was the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), along with Bill Wilson. Dr. Bob, as he was commonly known, played a pivotal role in the creation and development of the organisation, which has since become a global recovery movement.
Dr. Bob's own struggles with alcoholism were well-documented. After graduating from medical school, he worked in various places but continued drinking heavily. His drinking began to affect his work, and he even checked himself into hospitals and sanitariums to address his addiction. Despite his efforts, he was unable to quit until he met Bill Wilson on May 12, 1935.
The meeting between Dr. Bob and Bill Wilson at Henrietta Seiberling's Gate Lodge in Akron is considered a pivotal moment in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Following this encounter, Dr. Bob stopped drinking and invited Wilson to stay at his home. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become the twelve steps of AA. They organised gatherings, Bible studies, group prayers, and outreach activities, and their efforts resulted in successful cures for many alcoholics.
Dr. Bob's impact extended beyond his personal contributions to the development of AA. His home in Akron, Ohio, became a significant site for the organisation. The first official AA group was held at the nearby King School, and AA meetings continue to be held there today. Dr. Bob's home has also been designated a National Register of Historic Places landmark, attracting thousands of visitors annually who come to pay their respects and learn about the origins of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Additionally, Dr. Bob's work with AA inspired the creation of other influential movements, including Overeaters Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous. These programs adopted the twelve-step model pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of Dr. Bob's contributions.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a book by author B. Dick detailing the history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its roots in Akron, Ohio.
The book covers the origins of the 57-year-old recovery program and the people and groups that contributed to its spiritual base. It talks about the early days of AA and the Oxford Group, and the specific contributions of T. Henry, Clarace Williams, Henrietta Seiberling, Bill Wilson, and Dr. Bob and Anne Smith.
The book is not intended to be a guidebook but rather provides a lengthy introduction to the forces, personalities, and core groups that influenced the creation of AA. It also covers the "when, where, and how" of AA's birth, including details on surrenders, hospitalization, meetings, literature, Bible study, and prayer and meditation.
The book is for history buffs and those interested in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous and its roots in Akron. It provides a detailed account of the early days of AA and the people involved, making it a valuable resource for those wanting to learn more about the origins of the program.
The book, "The Akron Genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous" by B. Dick, can be found on Amazon.com and other online bookstores. It is available in both physical and digital formats.
