Father Bill W.

David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted.David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child.This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.”This second episode takes a deep dive into Dave’s immersion in the Group, what that was like, what happened, and what it’s like now. It’s quite a ride!Show notes:David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ ChildDave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis:https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_ For Sinners Only by A.J. RussellThe Christ of the Indian Road by E. Stanley Jones (free pdf)This Is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt Is Shaping the Twenty-First Century by Paul and Mark EnglerHow 12 Step Programs Can Help Build Healthier Movements

David Belden was born into a family of Oxford Group leaders and committed activists. The Group set out “to change the world” and throughout his early years David devoted himself wholeheartedly to this challenge.  But while “carrying the message” in Africa, his life took an unexpected turn that led to his questioning some of principles and practices he had once taken uncritically for granted.David returned to Oxford University to write his doctoral dissertation on the Group’s history, influence and shortcomings. He recently published a still more intimate account of his own journey toward personal and social transformation and change: The World Remakers’ Child.This series affords a rare insider’s view of the Group responsible for contributing no fewer than ten of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and yields fresh insights and challenges throughout. Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson praised David’s book for its “steady candor,” “humor about himself,” and “a thirst for a less harsh, more loving, and fairer world.”The first episode briefly introduces David’s story to listeners after which he and Fr. Bill explore the life of Oxford Group founder Frank Buchman.                           Show notes:David Belden’s book: The World Remakers’ ChildDave’s Oxford University Doctoral Thesis:https://www.academia.edu/27545723/The_Origins_and_Development_of_the_Oxford_Group_Moral_Re_Armament_For Sinners Only by A.J. Russell (used books are getting expensive. This is the cheapest I found)

Prof. Miller's book Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives has been described as the most definitive work on the subject of religious experiences since William James' Varieties of Religious Experience. The latter has had a profound influence on AA and Bill Wilson’s development of the 12-Steps, and this book brings the subject into the modern era.  Fr. Bill interviews Professor Miller in an audio only format.Show notes:Quantum Change: When Epiphanies and Sudden Insights Transform Ordinary Lives by Professor William R. MillerWhat AA Has to Teach the Church by Sam Shoemaker / pdf on Step Study

The word HOPE appears no fewer than 34 times in the first 164 pages of the Big Book.  In recovery, it’s vital for getting us started and for keeping us going.In this two-part series, Dr. Denise Ernst, PhD joins Fr. Bill in exploring the role HOPE plays in fostering meaningful change, especially in addiction recovery. Denise earned her doctorate in psychology at the University of New Mexico under the direction of Professor William R. Miller, a pioneer developer of Motivational Interviewing. She has a strong background in addiction counseling and research.  Episodes are based on Dr. Miller’s recent book: 8 Ways to Hope, Charting a Path Through Uncertain Times. Hope you enjoy!Show notes:8 Ways to Hope by William R. MillerDenise Ernst, PhD website: https://deniseernst.com/Interview with Professor Bill Miller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CiQ7rVXlrQViktor Frankl Man’s Search for MeaningBill Miller’s Quantum Change

The word HOPE appears no fewer than 34 times in the first 164 pages of the Big Book.  In recovery, it’s vital for getting us started and for keeping us going.In this two-part series, Dr. Denise Ernst, PhD joins Fr. Bill in exploring the role HOPE plays in fostering meaningful change, especially in addiction recovery. Denise earned her doctorate in psychology at the University of New Mexico under the direction of Professor William R. Miller, a pioneer developer of Motivational Interviewing. She has a strong background in addiction counseling and research.  Episodes are based on Dr. Miller’s recent book: 8 Ways to Hope, Charting a Path Through Uncertain Times. Hope you enjoy!Show notes:8 Ways to Hope by William R. MillerDenise Ernst, PhD website: https://deniseernst.com/