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In this episode will begin the last of the Oxford Groups lists that we will be looking at in this podcast. This would just called: The Six Basic Assumptions. I am including this list (as it was written), below.

The 6 Basic Assumptions:
1. Men are sinners.
2. Men can be changed.
3. Confession is prerequisite to change.
4. The changed soul has direct access to God.
5. The ‘Age of Miracles’ has returned.
6. Those who have been “changed” must “change others”.

This list, of all the lists From the Oxford Group, is probably the one that is most difficult to compare with the 12 steps. However if we are a little bit lenient with our interpretation of the list, and if we ignore or change some of the conventional wording of this time, I think we can work with this list.

Please remember that the Oxford Group did not share the same, exact goals as, what would become, Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-step program. I would say that the Oxford Groups main purpose was to bring people closer to God or, to save their souls. In the 12- step program, the original goal was to save people from the horrible life of alcoholism, (as a primary goal). However, this primary goal was suggested to be accomplished through reaching out for the help of God. It is my opinion that this turned out to be sort of two programs in one. The first program is what I believe to have been the intention of the founders of the 12 step program, wellness through turning our lives over to the care of God, as well as following what is believe to be God’s directions. The second interpretation of the 12-step program, is one of wellness through a psychological cleansing and effort, including sharing the program with those who still suffer. The six basic assumptions do not leave much room for the psychological aspects of wellness and suffering in any form. It is a God centered movement, but then, as it was changed and rewritten to help others with specific issues, which seems to work.

Please remember that this podcast tries to explain the 12-as step program as I/we understand it to be a spiritual way of life.