Friday, April 12, 2013

The Oft-Missed Facts about Dr. William D. Silkworth, Bill Wilson, A.A., and Jesus Christ - the "Great Physician"

A comment on a lengthy review of Dr. Silkworth that misses the mark completely


"Thanks for your attention to Silkworth and references to the Hazelden biography.

 

There is a whole chunk of history missing from your review. It is documented in the biography based on Silkworth’s papers, my writing, and the attestation of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.

 

On Bill’s third visit to Towns Hospital, Silkworth told Bill he must  quit drinking lest he die or go insane. Bill and Lois were despondent. Then Silkworth specifically told Bill that Jesus Christ—the “Great Physician” could cure him. This was almost immediately followed by Ebby’s report on Calvary Mission, Bill’s accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and later by Bill’s statement that “the Lord” had cured him.

 

Silkworth’s advice was not limited to Wilson. In  his book “The Positive Power of Jesus Christ,” Dr. Norman Vincent Peale goes to great lengths to point on almost identical advice Silkworth gave to one of Peale’s parishioners.

 

You will find adequate documentation in Dick B., The Conversion of Bill W.: More on the Creator’s Role in Early A.A.  www.dickb.com/conversion.shtml"

 

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