tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6182378.post2500568919103909309..comments2023-11-02T09:09:27.356-04:00Comments on getting free: Dallas Willard on the Steps"T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410273278853015089noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6182378.post-43220180242333874762009-02-19T11:02:00.000-05:002009-02-19T11:02:00.000-05:00Jamie,Please excuse what, as I re-read my comment,...Jamie,<BR/><BR/>Please excuse what, as I re-read my comment, my obvious lawyerliness. I have found that I just think in terms of logical arguments way too often, even processing information. Know that the tone was more curious and academic as I was thinking through the ideas and writing as I thought!<BR/><BR/>I think I see what you're saying. The focus of the steps is definitely 'cleaning up our (individual) side of the fence.' What, in your mind, are some examples of community-focused mandates that you've seen work well? Are you thinking something like the Church of the Saviour's mission groups?"T"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09410273278853015089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6182378.post-9299762038966472612009-02-18T18:27:00.000-05:002009-02-18T18:27:00.000-05:00I didn't mean to suggest that AA was not communal ...I didn't mean to suggest that AA was not communal in its approach, as it is VERY much so. However, the mandate is very individually focused while being communally practiced. Thanks for the push back!<BR/><BR/>Peace,<BR/>JamieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6182378.post-57466609544571241522009-02-17T13:48:00.000-05:002009-02-17T13:48:00.000-05:00Jamie,Sorry, meant to say at the beginning: "I agr...Jamie,<BR/><BR/>Sorry, meant to say at the beginning: "I agree! Dallas should have left the 'We' in favor of the 'I'!"<BR/><BR/>Thanks!"T"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09410273278853015089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6182378.post-65972847021586627082009-02-17T13:37:00.000-05:002009-02-17T13:37:00.000-05:00Jamie,Thanks for coming by! BTW, our community's ...Jamie,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for coming by! BTW, our community's version of the steps is a little different (see side bar) but I thought it was worth posting Willard's version. N.T. Wright and the idea that 'the problem' is bigger than just the individual led us to change step 1 the way we did. <BR/><BR/>On being communal, I've heard that concern and even lived out some of its source. My first attempt to work the steps (after having only studied them) was by myself. I made it, predictably, to step 3. It was after I failed to make it through the steps that I appreciated AA's standard advice and practice to work the steps with a sponsor and with a group. (I had previously been very suspicious of the whole 'sponsor' thing.) In our community, we often say that being a disciple of Jesus who makes progress in that effort is too big a job for any of us, certainly any of us alone. It is, at a minimum, a two or three man job (with God) and often more.<BR/><BR/>Also, in terms of community (vs individualism), it is difficult to argue that AA's don't take a deeply communal approach to recovery, and even create some of the most authentic and healing communities in the world, including churches. The steps are only part of the picture of AA and similar groups, but even the steps are written in the plural and are walked out, if at all, by the "we", not just "I"s. "I"s can't and don't walk the path of the steps."T"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09410273278853015089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6182378.post-1140467252089556422009-02-17T12:18:00.000-05:002009-02-17T12:18:00.000-05:00Great stuff. May only concern with translating th...Great stuff. May only concern with translating the Steps in this way is that it still primarily functions from the context of the individual. That element should always be there, but there needs to be an aspect that brings it into the communal. We are not saved from sin by God apart from others, but die to self to be be resurrected together in One Body. Just a thought. Great stuff, keep it coming!<BR/><BR/>Peace,<BR/>JamieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com