I’m an Episcopal (Anglican) priest in recovery from alcoholism since 1972. I've spent my career in addiction treatment focused on 12-Step spirituality and exploring the pioneer history of AA. In discovering the lost 11th Step practice of Two Way Prayer, my program underwent a life-changing transformation. As Bill Wilson said, “ something was lost from AA when we stopped emphasizing the morning meditation." My mission now is helping people in 12-Step Fellowships explore a deeper understanding of spiritual practice and how it connects us to the "Great Reality" within. -Fr. Bill W.
Many cultures develop rites of passage specifically designed to help a boy transition into manhood. It’s a difficult and dangerous journey, many get lost along the way, and a detour into alcohol and drugs only compound and delay it. Sadly, some never make it. This series explores the book “HE” written by Jungian analyst Robert A. Johnson. It centers on the medieval myth “the Search for the Holy Grail,” as young Parsifal goes in search of what it takes to become a man – a man in service to a Power greater than himself. Fr. Bill is joined by fellow spiritual seekers and “12-Step Knights of the Roundtable” James R, PhD, a college English professor from Alaska and Fr. James R. an Episcopal priest and scientist from Florida. As the trio follow Parsifal on his journey they’ll share some of their own experiences and strengths, along with the dragons they met along the way. Please note, this series is as much for women as for men since the inner masculine resides in the psyche of both sexes. Episode three brings Parsifal to the Grail Castle. Discussion centers on what it means for a man to enter the castle, the things that keep him from entering or maintaining the experience gained, and what are the consequences of losing access to the Castle. Show notes: · HE by Robert A. Johnson · RECOVERY WRITINGS by James Ryan · StepStudy.org website https://stepstudy.org/
Many cultures develop rites of passage specifically designed to help a boy transition into manhood. It’s a difficult and dangerous journey, many get lost along the way, and a detour into alcohol and drugs only compound and delay it. Sadly, some never make it. This series explores the book “HE” written by Jungian analyst Robert A. Johnson. It centers on the medieval myth “the Search for the Holy Grail,” as young Parsifal goes in search of what it takes to become a man – a man in service to a Power greater than himself. Fr. Bill is joined by fellow spiritual seekers and “12-Step Knights of the Roundtable” James R, PhD, a college English professor from Alaska and Fr. James R. an Episcopal priest and scientist from Florida. As the trio follow Parsifal on his journey they’ll share some of their own experiences and strengths, along with the dragons they met along the way. Please note, this series is as much for women as for men since the inner masculine resides in the psyche of both sexes. Episode two explores the challenges a young boy faces as he sets out on his journey to manhood. Here he meets a cast of inner characters: his instincts (the Red Knight), his inner feminine muse (Blanche Fleur), his spirit guide and mentor (Gournamond), all as he avoids being trapped by the remnants of his mother-complex (Heart’s Sorrow). Show notes: · HE by Robert A. Johnson · RECOVERY WRITINGS by James Ryan · StepStudy.org website https://stepstudy.org/
Many cultures develop rites of passage specifically designed to help a boy transition into manhood. It’s a difficult and dangerous journey, many get lost along the way, and a detour into alcohol and drugs only compound and delay it. Sadly, some never make it. This series explores the book “HE” written by Jungian analyst Robert A. Johnson. It centers on the medieval myth “the Search for the Holy Grail,” as young Parsifal goes in search of what it takes to become a man – a man in service to a Power greater than himself. Fr. Bill is joined by fellow spiritual seekers and “12-Step Knights of the Roundtable” James R, PhD, a college English professor from Alaska and Fr. James R. an Episcopal priest and scientist from Florida. As the trio follow Parsifal on his journey they’ll share some of their own experiences and strengths, along with the dragons they met along the way. Please note, this series is as much for women as for men since the inner masculine resides in the psyche of both sexes. Episode one introduces the panel and explores the nature of myth and the soul’s inner search for wholeness. Show notes: · HE by Robert A. Johnson · RECOVERY WRITINGS by James Ryan · StepStudy.org website https://stepstudy.org/
Steps 3 and 11 frame the vision for a wholly new way of life. It’s one lived, not under the direction of the ego but under the guidance and direction of a Power greater than ourselves. But the ego still has a role to play and that’s through the right use of the will. The purpose of the will is: TO BE WILLING! In this series, Fr. Bill explores a talk delivered by Quaker mystic Thomas R. Kelly. It’s titled HOLY OBEDIENCE. There’s a free pdf link in the show notes below. It’s also one of several essays found in Kelly’s book A Testament of Devotion. It makes for great reading in a morning Quiet Time. But a word of caution. Read it slowly; it’s a lot of truth for a poor ego to swallow all at once! Show notes: Holy Obedience by Thomas R. Kelly https://quaker.org/legacy/pamphlets/wpl1939a.html A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly with an Introduction by Richard J. Foster
Steps 3 and 11 frame the vision for a wholly new way of life. It’s one lived, not under the direction of the ego but under the guidance and direction of a Power greater than ourselves. But the ego has a role to play and that’s through the right use of the will. The purpose of the will is: TO BE WILLING! In this series, Fr. Bill explores an essay by Quaker mystic Thomas R. Kelly titled HOLY OBEDIENCE. There’s a free pdf link in the show notes below. It’s also one of several articles found in Kelly’s book A Testament of Devotion. It makes for great reading in a morning Quiet Time. But a word of caution. Read it slowly; it’s a lot for a poor ego to swallow all at once! Show notes: Holy Obedience by Thomas R. Kelly https://quaker.org/legacy/pamphlets/wpl1939a.html A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly with an Introduction by Richard J. Foster
In the episode Fr. Bill shares some experience and advice for keeping the 12-Step program simple and alive. If you’re a long-term listener, you probably won’t find much new here, but hopefully hearing the simple recovery message in simple language can start the recovery juices flowing again. Show notes: The Will of God and a Man’s Life Work by Henry B. Wright The Power of Two Way Prayer
We all know the saying, “You have to give it away to keep it.” That idea may be especially true of the practice of Two Way Prayer. Listening for God’s guidance was at the center of the transformative practices of the Oxford Group, and those of us who have been fortunate enough to rediscover it have a responsibility to share it with others. One way of passing it on may be starting a Two Way Prayer Group. In this episode, Fr. Bill shares his experience in doing this. Even if you’re not ready to start a group of your own, you’ll probably find the information helpful. But if you are willing to take the leap of faith it requires to start a group, you’ll find it indispensable. Show notes: A suggested meeting format. (attached) The Power of Two Way Prayer by Father Bill W. TWP Workshop/Video twowayprayer.org
Most in recovery know that Henrietta was the woman who answered a phone call from Bill Wilson and put him in touch with Dr. Bob; but there’s a whole lot more to her story than that. In this episode Fr. Bill interviews Julie Frye who served for ten years as curator of the Seiberling mansion and gatehouse and knows more about Henrietta than most anyone alive. As Founder’s Day approaches, come learn more about this amazing woman and the critical role she played in the birth of Alcoholics Anonymous. Show Notes: PowerPoint Presentation of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens with Julie Frye Anne Smith’s Journal The Cleveland Symphony Orchestra https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/
In this short episode, Fr. Bill reflects on a brief recording of Bill Wilson’s unsuccessful attempts to return to the original 12 Step wording of “spiritual experience” over “spiritual awakening.” He also comments on Fr. Dowling’s words to the 20th Anniversary Gathering of AA in St. Louis where he said, “Istill weep that the elders of the movement have dropped the word ‘experience’ for ‘awakening.’” No need to weep, but it’s good information to know. Show notes: Father Ed by Dawn Eden Goldstein Bill Wilson's recorded commentary on "Experience"
Throughout his life, Father Ed was attracted to those who suffered - and since AA describes itself as “a program of attraction,” there’s little wonder this Jesuit priest was drawn to 12-Step members from the Program’s earliest days. In 1940, Dowling saw a troubled man recover from the depths of alcoholic despair and soon after witnessing this miracle he traveled to New York to meet AA’s co-founder, Bill Wilson. He wanted to learn how AA worked. Thus began a spiritual friendship between two men that continued throughout Fr. Ed’s life. Bill later wrote of Ed, “He became just about the closest friend I shall ever have - and my spiritual advisor, too. He took me through some of my rough going, which, without his counsel and love, I might never have survived.” Fr. Bill interviews Dawn Eden Goldstein, author of a new and much needed biography of Father Ed. Her book is a “must read” for those interested in AA history and will prove a valuable study guide for anyone wanting to discover the love of God that lies at the heart of every genuine 12-Step recovery. Show notes: Father Ed by Dawn Eden Goldstein Dawn Eden contact: https://dawneden.blogspot.com/ "...and Bill described this in front of Father Ed atthe AA Comes of Age Conference in St Louis in 1955, you can hear Bill'sintroduction and Father Ed's address on YouTube." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQYhXb4eNEU www.twowayprayer.org
This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.” Does God exist? Does God really care about us humans – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine? People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. In this episode Bill and Fr. James explore the final two chapters of John Caputo’s book What to Believe ? Chapters focus on the Nature of Real Love and How It Relates Us to God. Show notes: John Caputo’s book What to Believe?
This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.” Does God exist? Does God really care about us humans – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine? People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. In this episode Bill and Fr. James explore the next two chapters of John Caputo’s book What to Believe ? Chapters focus on “What is going on in God’s name” and “Whether or not God will have been may be up to us.” Two more easy lessons! Show notes: John Caputo’s book What to Believe ?
This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.” Does God exist? Does God really care about us humans – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine? People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. In this episode Bill and Fr. James explore the next two chapters of John Caputo’s book What to Believe? The chapters focus on “the Event,” what’s really going on in the name of God. Caputo says, “this is what to believe, what we really can and do believe, regardless of whether we ‘believe in God.’” Show notes: John Caputo’s book What to Believe?
This series addresses what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.” Does God exist? Does God really care about us humans – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine? People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. In this episode Bill and Fr. James explore the next two chapters of John Caputo’s book What to Believe? The chapters focus on the roles of mysticism and Jesus within radical theology. Show notes: John Caputo’s book, What to Believe? Tillich’s Sermon on Acceptance: www.wedgeblade.net/files/archives_assets/20810.pdf Recommended books on Jesus: 1.) John Dominic Crossan’s, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography 2.) Marcus J. Borg’s, Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary Recommended books on physics: 1.) The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra 2.) The Dancing Wuli Masters by Gary Zukav Resources for Two Way Prayer: www.twowayprayer.org
This series addresses what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.” Does God exist? Does God really care about us humans – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine? People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. In this episode Bill and Fr. James explore the next two chapters of John Caputo’s book What to Believe? – Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology. The chapters are titled: Pantheism, That’s Horrible! … & … Do Radical Theologians Pray?
This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.” Does God exist? Does God really care about us humans – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine? People have been asking these questions for as long as we’ve been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of mere speculation. In this episode Fr. Bill is joined by Fr. James R., a recovering Episcopal priest from Central Florida. Together they explore the first two chapters of John Caputo’s book titled: What to Believe? – Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology. The chapters are “God” Does Not Exist & Bridge-Builders and Ground-Diggers.
This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.” Does God exist? Does God really care about us – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine? People have been asking these questions for as long as human beings have been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. In this episode Fr. Bill is joined by Fr. James R., a recovering Episcopal priest from Central Florida. Together they explore a recent book by John D. Caputo titled: What to Believe? – Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology. Show notes: John D. Caputo: What to Believe? – Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology
This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.” Does God exist? Does God really care about us – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine? People have been asking these questions for as long as human beings have been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. In this episode Fr. Bill explores the chapter in the Big Book titled: We Agnostics. In it, Bill Wilson makes every effort to welcome believers and non-believers alike to a spiritual recovery approach. Here he opens the door as wide as possible. Future episodes will explore other books and writers opening inner doors still wider for addicts and alcoholics struggling with “the God problem.” Bill Wilson on Spiritual Experience Honest to God by Bishop John A.T. Robinson More importantly: What to Believe: Twelve Brief Lessons in Radical Theology by John Caputo
This series address what some of us in recovery refer to as “the God problem.” In episode 1 "Bill Wilson's Spiritual Experiences" we explore: Does God exist? Does God really care about us – and maybe more honestly and specifically, does God care about me and mine? People have been asking these questions for as long as human beings have been on this earth but for us “real” alcoholics and addicts whose lives depend on finding a spiritual solution to our addiction death sentence, it’s more than a matter of speculation. Bill Wilson was one of those men in such desperate need. In this episode Fr. Bill traces some of the lesser-known events that preceded Bill Wilson’s famous “White Light” experience in detox. Through these encounters the door of Bill’s mind and heart can be seen opening to a divine, healing Presence that would soon bring about his release from addiction. Future episodes will attempt to open inner doors for addicts and alcoholics struggling with the spiritual approach used in 12-Step recovery. Show notes: Bill W. My First 40 Years https://www.amazon.com/dp/1568383738/ref=sr_aod_dp_img
Two Way Prayer is part of a longer morning prayer practice. In this episode Fr. Bill details what that time might involve and how Two Way Prayer fits into it. Show notes: Good Morning by Dick B. https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Quiet-Watch-Meditation/dp/1885803222 A Book of Psalms by Stephen Mitchell The Three Scripture Readings AA’s Co-Founder Dr. Bob Considered Essential
