Preface (Big Book xiv)

“Those who object to Twelve-Step programs on the basis that they foster dependence on a spiritual entity should understand that for most EDA members, spiritual dependence produces independence from fear, self-pity, despair, myriad forms of obsession, and freedom from mortal peril. For others, working the Twelve Steps need not entail reliance on any spiritual source at all. The choice of how to work the Steps is up to the individual. God in EDA literature can mean the Deity, a deity, a spiritual entity of one’s own understanding (a Higher Power), or a non-spiritual conception (a higher purpose)…All Twelve-Step groups encourage members to ‘take what you can use and leave the rest.’ This is not a statement to be found in any cult.”