The Twelve Steps for Christians

I tried Al Anon and got some good directions but was getting the message that they are moving away from Christianity. Although the Twelve Steps were originally based on Biblical principles, they are being presented to people in AA and Al Anon as principles using any god, the "God as we understood Him". "Al‑Anon is not a religious program. Even when the meeting is held in a religious center, the local Al‑Anon group pays rent to that center and is not affiliated in any way with any religious group. Your religious beliefs—or lack of them—are not a subject for discussion at Al‑Anon meetings, which focus solely on coping with the effects of someone’s drinking. Here’s how one Al‑Anon member found the “Higher Power” of his own understanding.": - from their website They say it is to be more inclusive and less offensive to those who aren't Christians. But to me it's presenting the 12 steps as a way out. Using God's ways but without God. If they aren't empowered by God, then it's just another set of steps that won't work. The Al Anon meetings were too much like a religious meeting but making God stand in a corner or even outside the door. They have their Big Book (and it's not the Bible), their creeds, their catechisms, their liturgy, their devotional books and pamphlets (called "conference approved literature"), their own buzz words (an alcoholic in your family was to be referred to as qualifier), their fellowship. God is often mentioned in the daily readings but I have to wonder for how much longer? And He's never referred to as the Judeo-Christian God as I know Him to be. It's as a shadowy, fill-in-the-blank-with-your-own-idea God. Which, in essence, means you become your own god. If you have the power to pick and choose what or whom you worship, that puts you in the driver's seat, i.e. you are in control and therefore your own god. It's much like you are drawing what you want God to be, coloring in with whatever colors you like, and then holding it up and saying, "This is my god". You must realize that it's really you behind that silly drawing of God. And it's about as powerful as that piece of paper you drew on. Feeling like I was somehow participating in denying Christ, I was uncomfortable with some of the stuff I was seeing. I continued through about 6 meetings. At least they said the Lord's Prayer at the end. But I was told more than once in those 6 meetings that saying the Lord's Prayer was no longer a requirement by AA or Al Anon. So even that tradition is going to come down soon. Finally, the last straw, was when I made the simple one sentence comment, "As a Christian, this step (Step 5) relates to what we call repentance." That was all it took before one of the members jumped in to say this wasn't a Christian program and we weren't going to discuss religion. After 10 mins of this wasted time we moved on. But I realized that I had been right, it was not for me. Trying not to be offensive, I had sat there for 10 mins, letting someone tell me that I had to leave my God, my faith, the only thing that has gotten me through, outside the door. I said nothing, I did nothing. When I left that meeting I got in my car and sobbed because I felt like I had denied Christ like Peter did. I had let God down. You may or may not agree with me, but I felt that way. And I asked His forgiveness and He forgave me just like He did Peter. Thank You Jesus! But I still needed help and my sister-in-law gave me this book. What a relief to read about the Twelve Steps as they are meant to be. Not gutted of all power but filled with the power of God and bringing glory to Him and relief to me. I can also recommend Celebrate Recovery programs that are the same Twelve Steps but with God still front and center as He is meant to be. He is our only help, our only salvation. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Am not familiar with the 12 steps but had heard of this book so I think its a good thing to know about even if you don't need it for yourself. This is an excellent and interesting book. It is basically abandonment to God as taught through many lives of the saints but in a more concrete and practical format here. I found if very interesting and helpful as I book I can recommend to people who need support and direction when struggling with anything honestly. SUffering doesn't just come in the form of addiction. I have not yet completed it but being someone who likes to learn and be aware of many areas of life, I am glad I saw it and bought it. It is very easy to read and enjoyable if you like spiritual practical guidance books.

This is a phenomenal book with 12 steps guides and examples and it is amazing because it uses scripture to point you in the right direction. Get this book and DO THE STEPS! It’s worth it and your relationship with God will improve once you start clearing away the stuff that blocks.

Excellent like-new condition and was the exact same version/publication as shown in the picture. Quick delivery too!

very informative and doesn't try to re-invent the steps. worth the time it takes to read it and study it.

Complex. Comprehensive. Filled with corresponding And supportive Bible verses for each step.The verses cited are in each case the underlying foundation of each step or Christian growth principle. The authors have also Reworked the verse into simple, direct instructional English, or a sort of Law or principle number one, Steps one through twelve for dummies. The plain English restatements led to "Ah hah" moments for me. The book is not AA or any other compulsion specific. It can be used against any addiction. A Step buddy or partner is recommended but not required. Due to the structure of the book, I was able to complete the personal inventory without a partner. Buy it and take your time going through it.

This book has been a great help with those who are struggling with addiction and walking through the steps yet following the Bible as this uses scriptures to show the true truth of the word of God!!

Great book ! Easy to read and understand.

I bought this book because of a course at church called a Recovery course...and her God is helping people to recover by his power and love compared to our own failing human strength...I actually experienced this the day after we read chapter 2...

Greatly elaborated on the 12 steps for any 12 step program. I bought a copy for a friend who also finds it helpful.

Great book on the twelve steps of recovery. Went along very nice with my other step books. Worth buying, for anyone in recovery or not.

Found it very practical and easy to read. A great source of comfort! The language is a lot clearer than most 12 step literature.

When someone becomes a Christian they are on the road to recovery but they are not yet there. Transformation takes time, involves a process, and demands willingness from each individual to follow each step rigorously with the support of others.