I love how everyone knows what the newcomer is thinking, doing, and saying.

"The newcomer must hear and see..."

"if the newcomer gets the opportunity to hear and see this.."

"Oh dear, they are going to find these discussions are really not what they are looking for."

"Newcomers, please post your questions if you have them, we are all here to help."

So, my story is just this. I heard what God wanted me to hear. Nothing more, and nothing less. EVERYONE hears what God wants them to hear. No one is behind, no one is ahead. No one is better than, no one is less than. We are all on a course that God has laid out before us. God either is, or He isn't.

Point is this...the newcomer will read what God wants them to read. So, now we can quit playing God and deciding what the newcomer should hear, read, think, or do.

Guru

I hear you, Guru, but the matter is really not quite that simple. If it was, we could just send people to "the A.A. library" blindolded and let them pick whatever info they might happen to run into ...

However, you are absolutely correct as to this principle:

"When we [were at least willing to draw] near to Him He disclosed Himself to us!" (page 57)

And in the 12&12, we are told the new man or woman will one day even call Him by name!

I believe the low success rate of AA, is a direct result of not keeping it simple. I always tell the newcomer after their first meeting to not let this shit overwhelm you. Give me a call and we can shoot the shit about your drinking. 9 times outta 10 the beginners packets, introducing yourself, phone# lists, etc. etc, scares the hell outta the newcomer.

In all honesty I was glad of direction. That is why we have the 12 Step programme.

Us Ol' schools like a bit of direction Gail. The thug personna of this day of age is a different breed of monster. Some would rather jack ya and take the donation box if you are not careful. Over here in the states, anyway. Times have changed, things need change.

Lee said:

"but the matter is really not quite that simple. If it was, we could just send people to "the A.A. library" blindolded and let them pick whatever info they might happen to run into ..."

Opps, there ya go puttin' limitations on God.

Guru

Why are you talking about me, Guru? Do you know?

" God grant me the
Serenitytoaccept the things
I cannot change
Courage to change
the things i can and,Wisdom to
know the difference."

This said it for me, We all said it,i really feel it.
It should be broken down more and explained to the newcomer.