Bob D. on the Spiritual Malady, Agnosticism, and the Working Hypothesis — Part 3 of 11 — Sandy B.

About This Speaker Tape

Bob D. and Katie P. AA Speakers "Becoming F. From the Spiritual Malady in Alcoholism" Bob D,Katie P Becoming F. From the Spiritual Malady in Alcoholism - 2013

Bob D. maps out the struggle of the agnostic alcoholic, arguing that faith isn't a prerequisite for sobriety but a result of action. He dismantles the idea of a 'childhood Higher Power' and replaces it with a 'working hypothesis,' using the image of a gas-lighter in London to describe how one sees the evidence of a Higher Power only after the light has been lit. The narrative shifts from the wreckage of self-will—exemplified by a near-fatal fight with a boss—to the realization that spiritual growth occurs in the trenches of service. Bob and Kate both tackle the 'current agnosticism' that creeps into long-term sobriety, where one talks about surrender but still tries to drive the car. The tape concludes with a warning against the 'passing parade' of recovery—staying in the meetings without ever entering the 'big top' of the actual steps.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Bob discusses the 'show me state' mentality and the struggle with theoretical faith.
• 4:15 Detailed narrative on the Donatello statue of Mary Magdalene and the feeling of unworthiness.
• 8:30 Story about a conflict with a boxing commissioner boss and the intuitive pull to a meeting.
• 11:20 The London gas-lamp metaphor for seeing the evidence of a Higher Power.
• 15:40 Kate joins the conversation to discuss 'current agnosticism' and self-will.
• 18:10 Laughter: Kate's story about the greased watermelon in the pool.
• 22:30 Discussion on the 'turning point' and the failure of a mere code of morals.
• 26:10 Kate's childhood memories of Latin mass and the Catholic confessional.
• 31:20 Emphasis on Step 12 and the necessity of working with others to survive low spots.
• 36:45 Discussion on 'old ideas' and the 'victor only seems to win at war' quote.
• 41:10 Bob's reflection on losing his mother at age nine and shutting off his belief in a Higher Power.
• 46:30 The 'passing parade' vs. the 'big top' metaphor regarding the 12 Steps.