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Not God
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Not God
Product Details
Weight: 1.09 lbs
Not-God
A History of Alcoholics Anonymous
Author: Ernest Kurtz, Ph.D.
Overview
Widely regarded as the most complete history of Alcoholics Anonymous ever written, Not-God offers a fascinating, fast-moving, and authoritative account of the birth and growth of the A.A. fellowship. Drawing from diaries, correspondence, and memoirs of A.A.’s early pioneers, historian Ernest Kurtz presents not just the story of a program, but the spirit of a movement that has changed millions of lives.
More than a chronology, this book delves into the struggles, breakthroughs, and human experiences that shaped A.A.—capturing its founders’ vision, its principles of humility and spirituality, and the development of its worldwide fellowship. Both scholars and those in recovery will find this an invaluable exploration of the roots of one of the most significant spiritual and social movements of the twentieth century.
Why You’ll Love It
- The definitive, detailed history of Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Features anecdotes, archival materials, and firsthand accounts from A.A.’s early members.
- Provides insight into the creation of A.A.’s Twelve Steps and traditions.
- Balances rigorous scholarship with a compelling narrative style.
- A must-read for anyone interested in recovery history, spirituality, or social movements.
Who It’s For
- Members of A.A. and others in recovery seeking a deeper understanding of their fellowship’s roots.
- Historians, sociologists, and scholars studying spirituality and social change.
- Counselors, educators, and recovery professionals.
- Anyone curious about the human story behind Alcoholics Anonymous.
Key Insights
- The phrase “Not-God” reflects A.A.’s core principle: members must surrender the illusion of control and accept humility in order to recover.
- A.A. was shaped not only by its founders, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, but also by countless ordinary members whose experiences defined the fellowship’s growth.
- The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions emerged organically from trial and error, community need, and spiritual searching—not from a rigid plan.
- A.A.’s story is as much about community and shared suffering as it is about individual transformation.
- The fellowship’s survival and expansion hinged on inclusivity, service, and the recognition that no single person or group could claim ownership of recovery.
About the Author
Ernest Kurtz, Ph.D. (1935–2015), received his doctorate in the History of American Civilization from Harvard University in 1978, where his dissertation became Not-God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous. He later coauthored The Spirituality of Imperfection and published extensively on recovery, spirituality, shame, and guilt. Over his career, he taught history and religion at the University of Georgia, Loyola University of Chicago, and lectured widely at Rutgers, the University of Chicago, and internationally. Remembered as both a pioneering scholar and a gifted storyteller, Kurtz dedicated his life to deepening the understanding of recovery and spirituality.
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