In a letter dated 1954 (seen in The AA Way
of Life pg 95) Bill wrote, "We are only
operating a spiritual kindergarden to which
people are enabled to get over drinking and
find the grace to go on living to better
effect. Each man's theology has to be his own
quest, his own value."

The rest of pg 95 attributes its quotations
to AACOA pp 162, 163, 167.

"When the Big Book was being planned,some
members thought that it ought to be Christian
in the doctrinal sense. Others had no objection
to the use of the word "God," but wanted to
avoid doctrinal issues. Spirituality, yes.
Religion, no. Still others wanted a psycho-
logical book, to lure the Alcoholic in. Once
in he could take God or leave him alone as he
wished. To the rest of us this was shocking,
but happily we listened. Our group conscience
was at work to construct the most acceptable
and effective book possible. Every voice was
playing its appointed part. Our atheists and
agnostics widened our gateway so that all
who suffer might pass through, regardless of
their belief or lack of belief."

Yours in Service
Shakey Mike Gwirtz

- - - -

From Glenn C. (South Bend, Indiana)
<glennccc@...>
(glennccc at sbcglobal.net)

The description of AA as "spiritual" rather
than "religious" goes back to the earliest
days. See for example this reference from
1940:

Message 381 Possibly the 1st AA Pamphlet
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AAHistoryLovers/message/381

From William Lash

THE FIRST “A.A.” PAMPHLET
AS DERIVED FROM THE SERIES
OF ARTICLES FROM THE
HOUSTON PRESS

BY
LARRY JEWELL*

(April 1940)

[*Larry Jewell came to Houston from
Cleveland with only a Big Book and a
Spiritual Experience resulting from having
taken the Steps while hospitalized. His
Sponsors were Dr. Bob Smith & Clarence
Snyder.]

"This approach to alcoholism is squarely based
on our own drinking experience, what we have
learned from medicine and psychiatry, and upon
certain spiritual principles common to all
creeds. We think each man’s religious views,
if he has any, are his own affair. No member
is obliged to conform to anything whatever
except to admit that he has the alcoholic
illness and that he honestly wishes to be rid
of it."

"While every shade of opinion is expressed
among us we take no position as a group, upon
controversial questions. We are only trying
to aid the sick men and distracted families
who want to be at peace. We have found that
genuine tolerance of others, coupled with a
friendly desire to be of service is most
essential to our recovery."

- - - -

In a message dated 7/6/2008 3:14:43 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
jax760@... writes:

We frequently hear in the rooms that the AA
program is "spiritual not religious."

I am aware that Bill W. has been quoted as
saying "we are not a religious organization"
and that the Big Book says ... "we have written
a book which we believe to be spiritual as
well as moral."

Does anyone recall seeing in anything in print
attributable to Bill W., the first 100 or in
Conference literature that says "spriritual
not religious"?

Facts only please, no opinions on the topic!

God Bless

John B