Twelve Steps to Spiritual Freedom: Understanding the Christian Roots of Twelve Step Programs

by Joanna Thyer

Overview

The twelve step addiction recovery process often comes in many variations and interpretations; while each variation may focus on different aspects of recovery, they all stem from the groundbreaking work of Bill W. and Dr. Bob Smith, the founders of the organization known as Alcoholics Anonymous. Twelve Steps to Spiritual Freedom: Understanding the Christian Roots of Twelve Step Programs aligns this 20th century construct with its roots in centuries old practices. This sensible approach brings together the deep spiritual tradition of Christianity to complement and support the hands-on, daily work of twelve-step programs.
Interspersed with personal experiences, Understanding the Christian Roots of Twelve Step Programs identifies and contextualizes the natural connections between Christian mysticism and the wisdom of twelve step programs and makes this information usable for readers. With her intelligent and pragmatic approach, author Joanna Thyer speaks to those who struggle within twelve step programs and to the counselors, therapists, social workers, and family and friends who support their recovery efforts. Knowing the origins can make the journey through addiction recovery grounded, personal, and rooted in faith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780829440539
Publisher:	Loyola Press
Publication date:	02/01/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	130
File size:	429 KB
Age Range:	3 Months to 18 Years

About the Author

Joanna Thyer is a hospital chaplain, medical educator and counselor with vast experience in the areas of trauma debriefing, grief, relationship, and workplace issues. She holds university degrees in Psychology and Theology, has had five other books published, and lives in Sydney, Australia.

Table of Contents

My Story: In the Desert vii

Introduction xiii

1 Moments of Truth 1

2 The Gradual Awakening 11

3 Letting Go 19

4 Looking at the Past 29

5 The Old Self Stripped Away 39

6 Openness 51

7 The New Self Begins to Emerge 59

8 Owning Up to the Past 67

9 Making Up for the Past 71

10 Continual Transformation 77

11 Continuing on the Journey 85

12 Faith without Works Is Dead 97

Conclusion 105

Acknowledgments 109

Bibliography 113

Endnotes 119

About the Author 129

Editorial Reviews

"Without exaggerating, this is really an excellent book!  Not only does Joanna Thyer write very well, and in an engaging way, but she knows her sources--from the perennial Tradition of wisdom and saints, from the Scriptures, and from her own living experience.  Read, and be taught well, even if you are not formally in any recovery program!  This guidance is for all." 
- Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M.
Center for Action and Contemplation
Albuquerque, New Mexico 

"This invaluable book explores the connections between the transformation journeys of 12-step programs on the one hand, and Christian – and especially Ignatian – spirituality on the other. Both lead the pilgrim from utter vulnerability to life-changing transformation. In both the pilgrim must surrender to the wilderness that lies between the place of un-freedom and the place of promise. Joanna Thyer brings to this exploration an authority forged in her own painful personal experience illuminated by profound spiritual insight, both of which she shares with disarming honesty and humility. Whether you come to the journey as a 12-step participant or a spiritual searcher, or both, you would look far to find a more authentic guide."
- Margaret Silf, author of Inner Compass

From the Publisher