1961 Bill writes to Carl Jung

"In a 1961 letter to Swiss-German psychoanalyst Dr. Carl Jung, Bill expresses his gratitude for Jung's long-ago message to Rowland G., who was treated by Jung and who would later lead friend Ebby T. to the Oxford Group. Bill wrote, "You frankly told [Rowland] of the hopelessness of further medical or psychiatric treatment," [and also of the possibility of] "a spiritual awakening or religious experience - in short, a genuine conversion." Bill described these statements as "beyond doubt the first foundation stone upon which [A.A.] has been built." Jung responds with a gracious letter confirming that the most appropriate antidote to alcoholism is spirituality, which is emphasized in the Twelve Steps."

(AAWS Inc)

1938 The Twelve Steps

"As he begins to write the A.A. Book, Bill comes to the point where he must outline an actual program for the recovering alcoholic to follow. Drawing on the teachings of Sam Shoemaker, William James's The Varieties of Religious Experience, and the Oxford Group-inspired six-step procedure used by Bill and Dr. Bob as they carry the message. The steps grow to 12, and the A.A. Twelve Step program is born."

(AAWS Inc)

1937 Action in Akron

"Oxford Group meetings for alcoholics continue at the large home of T. Henry and Clarace Williams, with Dr. Bob sometimes joining Mr. Williams to lead meetings. The recovering alcoholics of the group refer to themselves as the "alcoholic squadron of the Oxford Group.""

(AAWS Inc)

Rowland H (Rowland Hazard III)

"In the early 1930s, a well-to-do Rhode Islander, Rowland H., visited the noted Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung for help with his alcoholism. Jung determined that Rowland's case was medically hopeless, and that he could only find relief through a vital spiritual experience. Jung directed him to the Oxford Group."
(AAWS Inc)

Frank Buchman

Some background

Note: In some areas this article's factual accuracy is disputed as well as its neutrality

The Oxford Group

"The origins of Alcoholics Anonymous can be traced to the Oxford Group, a religious movement popular in the United States and Europe in the early 20th century. Members of the Oxford Group practiced a formula of self-improvement by performing self-inventory, admitting wrongs, making amends, using prayer and meditation, and carrying the message to others."
(AAWS Inc)

Wikipedia entry: Oxford Group

Note: Neutrality and copyright issues applicable to this entry.