A Skeptic's Guide to the 12 Steps [Paperback]

Phillip Z. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1990

How many of us have felt like Phillip Z? He has a staunch belief in the Twelve Steps, yet struggles with the concept of a Higher Power.

In A Skeptic's Guide to the 12 Steps, the author investigates each of the Twelve Steps to gain a deeper understanding of a Higher Power. He examines what may seem like "unsettling" concepts to us including surrendering one's will and life to God, and he encourages us to understand the spiritual journey of recovery despite our skepticism.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Phillip Z. is convinced that the Twelve Steps work--he's witnessed the results in his own life--but what exactly does a "Higher Power" have to do with maintaining abstinence?While the author works an O.A. program, A Skeptic's Guide to the Twelve Steps is for any recovering person who questions the traditional Judeo-Christian concept of God, or anyone seeking to enrich his or her own spirituality. In sharing his story of coming to believe in a Power greater than himself, the author, a psychologist, thoroughly investigates each of the Twelve Steps, combining solid Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions guidance with enlightenment from non-traditional sources, such as Jungian and transpersonal psychology, and Buddhism. Gradually, through an uncompromising intellectual and emotional self examination, and along with the support of a wise and seasoned sponsor, he comes to realize the source of spirituality within himself.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Hazelden (October 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0894867229
• ISBN-13: 978-0894867224
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #218,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Viable Alternative for Agnostics, December 9, 2004

By 

Upright Ape (Merrimack, NH USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Skeptic's Guide to the 12 Steps (Paperback)

For years I've been struggling with the AA 12 step program and the way it treats Agnositicism. Here at last is a book that offers even-handed help for Agnostics, Atheists, and Religious sufferers, all in the context of Spirituality. Well worth the read for those who believe that the spiritual experience can occur without religion.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential 12 Step Book, July 31, 2001

By 

Stephen D. Williams (Birmingham, Alabama USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Skeptic's Guide to the 12 Steps (Paperback)

This book is the one essential book I recommend to anyone starting a twelve step program. It helps anyone with doubts walk through the steps in an intelligent yet very personal way. By telling his story, the author illustrates the frustrations many of us have when confronted with the steps and then shows us, through research and much difficult soul-searching, how he was able to understand and apply the steps to his life.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't worry about God, August 24, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: A Skeptic's Guide to the 12 Steps (Paperback)

I couldn't have done it without this book and its discussion of a "higher power" other than the traditional god. It really helps for those of us who think too much.