Page 114 - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

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WORKING WITH OTHERS 93
tirely admitted his condition, he has become very
curious to know how you got well. Let him ask you
that question, if he will. Tell him exactly what hap­
pened to you. Stress the spiritual feature freely. If
the man be agnostic or atheist, make it emphatic that
he does not have to agree with your conception of
God. He can choose any conception he likes, provided
it makes sense to him. The main thing is that he be
willing to believe in a Power greater than himself and
that he live by spiritual principles.
When dealing with such a person, you had better
use everyday language to describe spiritual principles.
There is no use arousing any prejudice he may have
against certain theological terms and conceptions
about which he may already be confused. Don’t
raise such issues, no matter what your own convictions
are.
Your prospect may belong to a religious denomina­
tion. His religious education and training may be far
superior to yours. In that case he is going to wonder
how you can add anything to what he already knows.
But he will be curious to learn why his own convictions
have not worked and why yours seem to work so well.
He may be an example of the truth that faith alone is
insufficient. To be vital, faith must be accompanied
by self sacrifice and unselfish, constructive action. Let
him see that you are not there to instruct him in re­
ligion. Admit that he probably knows more about it
than you do, but call to his attention the fact that
however deep his faith and knowledge, he could not
have applied it or he would not drink. Perhaps your
story will help him see where he has failed to practice
the very precepts he knows so well. We represent no