The Difference Between a Sudden and Educational Spiritual Awakening – Sandy B.

About This Speaker Tape

East Coast Convention -

Sandy B. dismantles the fear surrounding the 'spiritual experience,' stripping away the religious baggage of his Southern Baptist upbringing. He recalls the terror of watching 'Aunt M.' roll in the sawdust of a revival tent fearing that recovery required similar theatrics. Instead Sandy maps out the 'educational variety' of change—a slow psychic shift in personality and attitude. He argues that the essence of the program is simply moving from a state of restlessness and irritability to one of serenity. He traces the origins of this concept back to Dr. J.'s assessment of Roland H. noting that even the world's top psychiatrists recognized that for the chronic alcoholic only a massive emotional displacement—a total change in how one thinks and feels—could prevent a return to the bottle.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Sandy B. opens with a reading from the Big Book regarding the solution and spiritual tools.
• 3:15 Laughter: Sandy describes his childhood rebellion against the Southern Baptist church.
• 5:40 Sandy recounts the 'sawdust' experience with Aunt M. and his dread of religious emotionalism.
• 8:10 Discussion of Appendix II and the distinction between a sudden psychic change and a slow spiritual awakening.
• 11:20 Sandy defines personality change as moving from restlessness and irritability to peace of mind.
• 14:45 Analysis of the phrase 'contempt prior to investigation' and the need for an open mind.
• 17:30 Sandy breaks down the repeated use of the word 'change' throughout the Big Book's text.
• 20:15 Sandy discusses his early attempt to emulate his hero, Charlie, rather than becoming himself.
• 23:40 Reading from page 25 regarding the two alternatives: the bitter end or spiritual help.
• 26:10 The story of Roland H. and his year of treatment with Dr. J.