Higher Power – Big Book Comes Alive Step Study Workshop – Part 1 of 6 – 2023 – Howard E.

About This Speaker Tape

Big Book Comes Alive Step Study Workshop - 2023

The bridge of reason is a fragile thing and Howard E. spends this session dismantling the intellectual armor that keeps the agnostic alcoholic from the shore of faith. He breaks down the 'formula for change'—willingness belief decision action and results—using the image of Christopher C. sailing west to find the east. Howard E. maps out the 'bedevilments' of untreated alcoholism arguing that stopping the drink is merely a pause without addressing the internal sickness the window of recovery slams shut. He contrasts the rigid mathematical 'proofs' that man could never fly with the simple bicycle-mechanic faith of the Wright brothers urging the listener to trade the 'baby's binky' of self-sufficiency for a Higher Power. The talk concludes with a warning that nothing external—not a new car a new relationship or a Facebook feed—can cure a malignant spiritual tumor.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction to the 'We Agnostics' chapter and the distinction between religion and spirituality.
• 10:15 Discussion on the obstacles to spiritual growth: obstinacy, sensitiveness, and unreasoning prejudice.
• 18:30 Laughter: The story of Columbus and the sailor with the lantern.
• 22:10 Detailed breakdown of the 'Formula for Change' and its mapping to the 12 Steps.
• 31:45 Analysis of the 'bedevilments' (symptoms of untreated alcoholism) and the spiritual malady.
• 38:20 The 'childish faith' metaphor and the story of his son's injury.
• 45:10 The 'Bridge of Reason' and the transition from belief to faith.
• 54:30 Closing thoughts on seeking a Higher Power and the final prayer.