A Spiritual Philosophy of Recovery: Aquinas and Alcoholics Anonymous
A Spiritual Philosophy of Recovery: Aquinas and Alcoholics Anonymous
Author(s): A. William McVeySubject(s): Philosophy, Metaphysics, Special Branches of Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion
Published by: International Étienne Gilson Society
Keywords: alcoholism; anonymous alcoholic; A.A.; spirituality; religion; morality; virtue; recovery; God; philosophy; Aquinas; nature; prudence; miracle
Summary/Abstract: The article is an attempt to formulate a Thomistic spiritual philosophy of recovery. The author faces two issues. One, what do recovering alcoholics mean when they say: “I am spiritual, but not religious?” He comes to the conclusion that it means recovering alcoholics are experiencing spiritual healing in their willingness to trust a loving God who has performed a miracle of recovery from alcoholism in their life. As a result of this experience, they are prepared to live a life of virtuous habit. Two, recovering alcoholics have discovered a spiritual second nature of moral character. The author explains why there are many in A.A. who discover that as God comes into their life and they turn to the path of virtue they rediscover religious worship and devotion is essential to the one day at a time journey.
Journal: Studia Gilsoniana
- Issue Year: 5/2016
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 135-162
- Page Count: 28
- Language: English