On Jun 27, 2009, at 11:14 AM,
J. Lobdell wrote in Message 5835:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AAHistoryLovers/message/5835

>"There but for the Grace of God [goes old John Bradford]" is the
>first use I know (1550?) of the phrase in English -- said, by a
>former paymaster of the King's forces at Calais who had embezzled
>funds (possibly for drinking), but been converted by Hugh Latimer
>and made amends and restitution, on seeing another embezzler of the
>King's funds being taken away to execution. There is no particular
>question of predestination, nor is the phrase peculiar to alcoholics
>-- in fact it was popularized long before the word "alcoholic"
>existed. It refers quite simply to the fact that we (whoever we may
>be) don't recover (from any sin or sickness) by our own unaided
>efforts -- and I'm not sure that should be contentious in A.A., or
>elsewhere.

Our slogan is not the same as the quote being "But for the Grace of
God," and I'm not at all sure "grace" is capitalized. Quibbling,
perhaps, but it gives the meaning a different slant.

I belive the five slogans which start "live easy but think first" are
available from the New York Office, which lends a certain amount of
authority to them. They originally appeared as slogans in the
Grapevine in the middle '50s according to Art Sheehan.

As far as any of them being contentious, I think that is entirely
dependent on the eye of the beholder.

Tommy H in Baton Rouge

- - - -

From: Jon Markle <serenitylodge@...>
(serenitylodge at mac.com)

I do agree however, that the clear implication is that God's Grace is
predetermined to be available to some people but not all.
(Predestination is indeed a very hotly contentious religious dogma).

If/when I use that platitude, I always make sure that the grace *I*
understand is free and available to anyone and everyone. The only
thing that makes the difference, is whether or not each of us chooses
to make use of that empowering grace.

Hugs for the trudge.

Jon (Raleigh)
9/9/82