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Introduction
The Founding of a Movement
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12 Traditions
How to Reverse Your Progress

2001 North American Conference

Conference Presentation Materials

NDEs and the 12 Steps

presented by
Karl Williamson
Chris Carson

Introduction


The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have been called the most important human achievement of the 20th century (by M. Scott Peck, author of The Road Less Traveled). This is because they lead, as do many NDEs, to a spiritual awakening, the absence of which, he and we view as the fundamental problem of the human condition.  Indeed, the inspiration for the 12 steps came about as a result of an NDE-like experience.  And, in fact, a full-blown NDE is similar to the first five of the 12 steps. We believe that the remaining seven steps can serve as a guide for the NDEr to reintegrate into being in this world. And the 12 as a whole, a guide for just about anyone trying to be happier.  The 12 Steps have been adapted by many people to address many problems besides alcoholism.

A full NDE is similar to the first 5 steps.  How do the remaining 7 steps help reintegrate?  These remaining 7 steps are one guide to stopping our ego from running us, re-establishing broken relationships, and living so that we have nothing to be ashamed of.

Outline:

  1. Introduction
  2. The founding of A.A.
  3. The subsequent extension of A.A principals to non-alcoholism related issues
  4. The 12 steps
  5. Similarities of the 12 steps to NDEs
  6. How the 12 steps extend beyond NDEs
  7. Discussion

Bibliography:

  • Not-God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Ernest Kurtz.  Hazelden/Pittman Archives Press.
  • Bill W..  Robert Thomsen.  Hazelden/Pittman Archives Press.
  • AA: The Way It Began.  Bill Pittman.  Hazelden Information and Educational Services.
  • Turning Point: A History of Early Aa's Spiritual Roots and Successes.  Dick B.  Paradise Research Publications.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 20 January 2007 )
 

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