"religious" in the Big Book

They had told of a simple religious idea and a practical program of action.

The wars which had been fought, the burnings and chicanery that religious dispute had facilitated, made me sick.

It began to look as though religious people were right after all.

All sections of this country and many of its occupations are represented, as well as many political, economic, social, and religious backgrounds.

Of necessity there will have to be discussion of matters medical, psychiatric, social, and religious.

This hope, however, was destroyed by the doctor’s telling him that while his religious convictions were very good, in his case they did not spell the necessary vital spiritual experience. *For amplification—see Appendix II.

The distinguished American psychologist, William James, in his book “Varieties of Religious Experience,’’ indicates a multitude of ways in which men have discovered God.

Those having religious affiliations will find here nothing disturbing to their beliefs or ceremonies.

We think it no concern of ours what religious bodies our members identify themselves with as individuals.

Not all of us join religious bodies, but most of us favor such memberships.

Though not a religious person, I have profound respect for the spiritual approach in such cases as yours.

He attended church school, where he became rebellious at what he thought an overdose of religious education.

Our friend’s gorge rose as he bitterly cried out: “If there is a God, He certainly hasn’t done anything for me!’’ But later, alone in his room, he asked himself this question: “Is it possible that all the religious people I have known are wrong?’’ While pondering the answer he felt as though he lived in hell.

Those of us belonging to a religious denomination which requires confession must, and of course, will want to go to the properly appointed authority whose duty it is to receive it.

Though we have no religious connection, we may still do well to talk with someone ordained by an established religion.

It is seldom wise to approach an individual, who still smarts from our injustice to him, and announce that we have gone religious.

Why lay ourselves open to being branded fanatics or religious bores?

If we belong to a religious denomination which requires a definite morning devotion, we attend to that also.

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

Be quick to see where religious people are right.

Get an idea of his behavior, his problems, his background, the seriousness of his condition, and his religious leanings.

Your prospect may belong to a religious denomination.

His religious education and training may be far superior to yours.

He becomes a religious enthusiast.

He may tell mother, who has been religious all her life, that she doesn’t know what it’s all about, and that she had better get his brand of spirituality while there is yet time.

Though the family has no religious connections, they may wish to make contact with or take membership in a religious body.

Alcoholics who have derided religious people will be helped by such contacts.

They were deeply religious people, much shocked by their son’s refusal to have anything to do with the Alco_9781893007161_6p_01_r6.qxd 8/13/07 10:55 AM Page 159