"principles" in the Big Book

My friend had emphasized the absolute necessity of demonstrating these principles in all my affairs.

A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs.

“Quite as important was the discovery that spiritual principles would solve all my problems.

It has been repeatedly proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built.* That was great news to us, for we had assumed we could not make use of spiritual principles unless we accepted many things on faith which seemed difficult to believe.

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles.

The principles we have set down are guides to progress.

We listed people, institutions or principles with whom we were angry.

Although these reparations take innumerable forms, there are some general principles which we find guiding.

Unless one’s family expresses a desire to live upon spiritual principles we think we ought not to urge them.

If not members of religious bodies, we sometimes select and memorize a few set prayers which emphasize the principles we have been discussing.

The main thing is that he be willing to believe in a Power greater than himself and that he live by spiritual principles.

When dealing with such a person, you had better use everyday language to describe spiritual principles.

We are dealing only with general principles common to most denominations.

Should they accept and practice spiritual principles, there is a much better chance that the head of the family will recover.

When your prospect has made such reparation as he can to his family, and has thoroughly explained to them the new principles by which he is living, he should proceed to put those principles into action at home.

If you act upon these principles, your husband may stop or moderate.

The same principles which apply to husband number one should be practiced.

As our husbands began to apply spiritual principles in their lives, we began to see the desirability of doing so too.

Now we try to put spiritual principles to work in every department of our lives.

Though it is entirely separate from Alcoholics Anonymous, it uses the general principles of the A.A. program as a guide for husbands, wives, relatives, friends, and others close to alcoholics.

One more suggestion: Whether the family has spiritual convictions or not, they may do well to examine the principles by which the alcoholic member is trying to live.

They can hardly fail to approve these simple principles, though the head of the house still fails somewhat in practicing them.

Without much ado, he accepted the principles and procedure that had helped us.

The use of spiritual principles in * This refers to Bill’s and Dr. Bob’s first visit to A.A. Number Three.