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This episode is a continuation of our look at six basic assumptions. Once again, I am including a list of these assumptions. They are:

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”.

Today I’ll be speaking about the third assumption, which is, Confession is prerequisite to change.

When I compare these six assumptions to our 12 step program, there is an obvious connection between the two. For that matter, all of the lists, as well as the basic ideals found in the Oxford Group, seem to be directly related to the 12 steps. This third basic assumption is yet another proof of this relationship of the two programs. I believe it is directly related to steps number 4, 5 and 10.

It is related to step four because it is our direct preparation for step number five. Step four says that we made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. I would say that we made this inventory with the expectation of speaking to someone about its contents. Step five says we admitted to ourselves to God another human being, the exact nature of our wrongs. This, to me, is definitely a confession of sorts. No, it is likely confession that we sometimes think of from Catholicism, although personally, I chose a priest with whom to do my fifth step. That was mostly because of my background as a Catholic, as well as the fact of some assurance of confidentiality. Fortunately I did not have any serious, lawbreaking events to talk about in my fifth step. For some, this would be quite an issue to deal with. For you, I should think it would be necessary to speak with others who might be able to help you decide what to do. I would suggest that it is all important to choose the right persons to speak to, or confide in. If you happen to choose another member of the 12 step program, please choose wisely! In the Oxford group it was suggested to speak with someone who has been, in their terms, changed. In the 12-step programs, it is my personal opinion that a person can only be compared to a “changed person” if they have earnestly completed the third step, and are committed to a life directed by God. I am sorry to say that these folks are sometimes few and far between. However, I believe it is critical to seek them out.

In any event, this confession is critical as a beginning step with which to clear out the wreckage of our past, and start a new way of life. There is much written, both in print and on the web that can help you prepare for this fifth step. Don’t forget, we are given somewhat of a practice step in that we first admit these defects of character and shortcomings to God and to ourselves. You might ask, why would I need to admit these to myself when I just finished writing them all down. Well, believe it or not, there is, (or at least there was for me), somewhat of a catharsis by reading over these things in the fourth step, and recognizing how they applied to my life.

I also mentioned the 10th step because it is a kind of housekeeping or housecleaning. It says I continued to take personal inventory, and when I was wrong, promptly admitted it. This is an ongoing confession with which to keep our house clean. The last thing I need, even after many years of working this program, is to begin to allow any of my past character defects or shortcomings build up and fester inside of me. If I allow that to happen, when the pressure will build up with the possibility of using my old pressure-relief system to feel good again. I will not allow that to happen!