Exploring the Spiritual Experience in the 12 Step Program of Alcoholics Annonymous--Spirita Contra Spiritum (Studies in Religion & Society) - Hardcover

Sandoz, Jeff

9780773464650: Exploring the Spiritual Experience in the 12 Step Program of Alcoholics Annonymous--Spirita Contra Spiritum (Studies in Religion & Society)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0773464654 ISBN 13: 9780773464650

Publisher: Edwin Mellen Pr, 2004

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This book offers a practical and pragmatic synthesis of ideas related to recovery from alcoholism with the central focus upon spiritual experience. Beginning with an excursion through the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, Dr. Sandoz sheds light upon the pathway through which successful AA members have trodden for over 60 years. The background history, the development of the 12 Step Program and the daily maintenance practices are all key elements which lead to the spiritual experience. Throughout the remainder of the book the singular focus of a spiritual experience is woven from a series of parallel threads - Thrreads which are taken from the various sources including psychology (in the ideas of Carl Jung and William James), development in the theory of Erik Erikson regarding ego strength and maturity), mythology (in the characters portrayed from ancient to modern myths), counseling (in the use of metaphors), brain physiology (in understanding the functioning of the various anatomical structures), research (in recognizing the multifaceted aspects of recovery) and diverse concepts from Eastern Mysticism. Taken together, this book offers an extensive and comprehensive array which provides clarity to the process of addiction and recovery.

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About the Author

Dr. Jeff Sandoz, a 2005 Templeton Prize Nominee, has written numerous articles, presented in conferences throughout the US with media exposure including PAX-TV affiliates, columnist for Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association and Opelousas Daily World newspaper and programs on Radio Maria. He is a licensed professional counselor and teaches at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In addition to academic endeavors, Dr. Sandoz is a Jesuit-trained Retreat Master.

Review

"Without selling out to either the science or metaphysical, Sandoz manages to keep them in conversation and dialogue throughout the entire book. He does this by maintaining in juxtaposition to his discussion about the brain chemistry of A.O.D. addiction, the efficacy of spiritual experience as vital for recovery.....Overall it seems to me that Sandoz manages to gleam from already explored territory some overlooked gems. I was particularly appreciative of his discussion of the contribution of Carl Jung's dictum "Spiritus Contra Spiritum" to AA and the twelve steps." - Richard H. Wallace, Th.D., Editor, Journal of Ministry in Addiction and Recovery "With his book,....Sandoz has done an excellent job of synthesizing ideas from a wide variety of disciplines into an in-depth analysis of the principles of the program of recovery established by Alcoholics Anonymous. The thoughtful use of analogy throughout the book provides considerable insight into how and why the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous work. A most valuable aspect of the book is the clarity it brings to the metaphysical nature of the spiritual experience upon which full recovery so heavily depends. This book will greatly enhance the competence of counselors and sponsors who attempt to bring the seemingly hopeless alcoholic out of the depths of despair." - Robert K. Bothwell, Ph.D, Professor of Psychology,"

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