The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are not directly derived from the Bible, although they do draw upon some spiritual principles that can be found in various religious and philosophical traditions, including Christianity.
The origins of the 12 steps can be traced back to the early days of AA, when the founders of the organization, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, were working to develop a program of recovery for themselves and others who were struggling with alcohol addiction. The steps evolved over time through trial and error, and were eventually codified in the book “Alcoholics Anonymous,” also known as the “Big Book.”
While the steps do not reference specific religious texts, they do incorporate principles such as surrender to a higher power, moral inventory, confession, making amends, and continued spiritual growth. These principles can be found in various religious and philosophical traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Taoism, among others.
Overall, while the 12 steps of AA are not directly derived from the Bible, AA is not a religious organization, they do incorporate spiritual principles that can be found in various religious and philosophical traditions and can be used by individuals of any faith or no faith to support their recovery from addiction.
Bible Verses for Overcoming Addiction
Here are some Bible verses that can be helpful for individuals who are seeking to overcome addiction:
- Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
- Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
- James 4:7: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
- Psalm 34:17-18: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
- Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
- Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will isβhis good, pleasing and perfect will.”
- Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
These verses can serve as a source of strength, encouragement, and hope for individuals who are seeking to overcome addiction and live a life of freedom and wholeness in Christ.