Page 49 - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

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28 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Here was the terrible dilemma in which our friend
found himself when he had the extraordinary experi­
ence, which as we have already told you, made him a
free man.
We, in our turn, sought the same escape with all the
desperation of drowning men. What seemed at first a
flimsy reed, has proved to be the loving and powerful
hand of God. A new life has been given us or, if you
prefer, “a design for living’’ that really works.
The distinguished American psychologist, William
James, in his book “Varieties of Religious Experience,’’
indicates a multitude of ways in which men have dis­
covered God. We have no desire to convince anyone
that there is only one way by which faith can be ac­
quired. 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. Those having reli­
gious affiliations 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 join religious
bodies, but most of us favor such memberships.
In the following chapter, there appears an explana­
tion of alcoholism, as we understand it, then a chapter
addressed to the agnostic. Many who once were in
this class are now among our members. Surprisingly