12 Step Bible

Although some AA members will refer to the AA Big Book as the “Bible” for their program, the Holy Bible has much to offer those in treatment. One excellent list of verses matched with the AA program — a 12 step bible — can be found at the Christian 12 step program site, Alcoholics Victorious.

Other resources are available with helpful verses based on each step in the program. These guides, along with personal study, prayer and introspection, can give an added dimension to any bible-based 12 step program.

Often, a Christian 12 step program will include lessons drawn from scripture, group prayer and commentary. Overall, the message is that God loves and cares for you, and there is help available in His word. Believers trapped in addiction need to hear that God hasn’t rejected them and see the process as an opportunity to reconnect with the Lord.

It is important to know that the original 12 step program arose from the teachings of an Evangelical Christian group. The program was modified to fit a more general population of alcoholics, but there is a natural fit with the Bible. Addiction is seen as a falling away from Godly principles. Reliance on spiritual guidance and God’s authority to shape your life then becomes a critical aid to recovery.

A 12 step bible would then consist of the Big Book or other specific manual (such as the Narcotics Anonymous materials) along with Biblical readings that support each step along the way. One excellent method groups can use is a type of Bible study activity along with the more structured steps. Members can read and comment on verses that have touched them in some way and share the benefits.

As is often the case, spending time reading scripture helps in times of need and private turmoil. For this reason, a 12 step bible may refer to a Bible that has bookmarks or highlighted passages others have found to be particularly helpful.