Rev. Sam Shoemaker, Cofounder of A.A.

[dickb]

So You Would Like to Know Rev. Sam Shoemaker’s Relationship with A.A. and Bill W.

By Dick B.

The best way to see Rev. Sam Shoemaker's relationship to A.A. and to Bill Wilson is to read the comprehensive details in New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A. New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A. (2d ed.)

But for A.A. Twelve Step students, Big Book study groups, historians and scholars, and members of A.A. and Twelve Step Fellowships, that is just the beginning in the quest for answers like these:

What did Sam Shoemaker teach Bill about prayer and meditation--the heart of Step Eleven. See Good Morning!: Quiet Time, Morning Watch, Meditation, and Early A.A. Good Morning!: Quiet Time, Morning Watch, Meditation, and Early A.A.

How close was the relationship between Bill Wilson, the Oxford Group, and its American chief lieutenant. See The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous The Oxford Group & Alcoholics Anonymous: A Design for Living that Works

Where are the influences of Rev. Sam Shoemaker's teachings and writings in the journal kept by Dr. Bob's wife Anne Ripley Smith from 1933-1939. See Anne Smith's Journal, 1933-1939 Anne Smith's Journal, 1933-1939: A.A.'s Principles of Success

Describe Sam Shoemaker's actual contribution in words and phrases to Big Book and Twelve Step language. See also By the Power of God By the Power of God: A Guide to Early A.A. Groups and Forming Similar Groups Today ; Dr. Bob and His Library Dr. Bob and His Library: A Major A.A. Spiritual Source and The Books Early AAs Read for Spiritual Growth, 7th ed. The Books Early AAs Read for Spiritual Growth, 7th Edition

Since both Rev. Sam Shoemaker and Oxford Group founder Dr. Frank Buchman were described as Bible Christians and relied heavily on Scripture for their ideas and writings, where can the influence of the Bible be identified in the Shoemaker-A.A. picture. See The Good Book and The Big Book: A.A.'s Roots in the Bible The Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.'s Roots in the Bible (Bridge Builders Edition)