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The Four Absolutes
(From a booklet distributed by Cleveland Central Committee of AA, date unknown.)
Foreword
Spelled out as such, the Four Absolutes are not a formal part of our AA philosophy of life. Since this is true, some may claim the Absolutes should be ignored. This premise is approximately as sound as it would be to suggest that the Bible should be scuttled.
The Absolutes were borrowed from the Oxford Group Movement back in the days when our society was in its humble beginning. In those days our founders and their early colleagues were earnestly seeking for any and all sources of help to define and formulate suggestions that might guide us in the pursuit of a useful, happy, and significant sober life.
Because the Absolutes are not specifically repeated in our Steps or Traditions, some of us are inclined to forget them. Yet in many old time groups where the solid spirit of our fellowship is so strongly exemplified, the Absolutes receive frequent mention. Indeed, you often find a set of old placards, carefully preserved, which are trotted out for prominent display each meeting night.
There could be unanimity on the proposition that living our way of life must include not only an awareness but a constant striving toward greater achievement in the qualities which the Absolutes represent. Many who have lost the precious gift of sobriety would ascribe it to carelessness in seeking these objectives. If you will revisit the Twelve Steps with care, you will find the Four Absolutes form a thread which is discernible in a sober life of quality, every step of the glorious journey.
(From a booklet distributed by Cleveland Central Committee of AA, date unknown.)
Foreword
Spelled out as such, the Four Absolutes are not a formal part of our AA philosophy of life. Since this is true, some may claim the Absolutes should be ignored. This premise is approximately as sound as it would be to suggest that the Bible should be scuttled.
The Absolutes were borrowed from the Oxford Group Movement back in the days when our society was in its humble beginning. In those days our founders and their early colleagues were earnestly seeking for any and all sources of help to define and formulate suggestions that might guide us in the pursuit of a useful, happy, and significant sober life.
Because the Absolutes are not specifically repeated in our Steps or Traditions, some of us are inclined to forget them. Yet in many old time groups where the solid spirit of our fellowship is so strongly exemplified, the Absolutes receive frequent mention. Indeed, you often find a set of old placards, carefully preserved, which are trotted out for prominent display each meeting night.
There could be unanimity on the proposition that living our way of life must include not only an awareness but a constant striving toward greater achievement in the qualities which the Absolutes represent. Many who have lost the precious gift of sobriety would ascribe it to carelessness in seeking these objectives. If you will revisit the Twelve Steps with care, you will find the Four Absolutes form a thread which is discernible in a sober life of quality, every step of the glorious journey.
1. Humility
2. Serenity
3. Benevolence
4. Detachment
Everything else is an "outside issue" to my sobriety.
I think I can ASPIRE to purity, but really only babies posses total purity. But it is OK to aspire to things, even if our very humanity will never allow us to reach them 100% - it's OK to REACH. In the Steps of course, the only Step we must complete 100% is the First Step. I believe this completely and have seen the ramifications of people not attaining that Step in fatal tragedy many times over these years.
And of course, we aim for "Progress not Perfection" - thank goodness for that!!
I think the term Absolutes jangles a bit as an Absolute is just that - 100% and no less, and aside from the First Step, I come up short and always will, no matter what a diligent AA member I am.
Just my thoughts.
Wendy
In my mind "Absolute" jangles Absolut Rent Bränvin (Absolute Pure Vodka).
Pure - yes. Good for me - no.
I'll stick to "Progress not Perfection".