Book
Just Released
Seeking a Higher Power
A Guide to the Second Step
It is regrettable that so many people fail to find help in a twelve-step program because of the requirement of reliance on a “higher power.” While the programs give latitude to participants to choose their own concept of a higher power, there is a definite perception that the higher power is expected to be a God-like figure whom Gordon refers to as the Big Guy in the Sky, Large and In-charge. As a result, as many as half of the people who could benefit from the programs are turned off because of their reluctance or even aversion to believe in such a God that they are expected to relate to and rely on.
We are experiencing an epidemic of epic proportions, as the stress of life seems to ever increase. Alcoholics Anonymous, and the dozens of other programs that address other problems using the twelve-step model, has succeeded in helping millions of people to find worthwhile, sober, and satisfying lives. Regrettably, even more people fail to succeed in the programs, or even fail to try the programs, often because of the requirement of reliance on a higher power. Doctor Gordon has addressed this problem with this book in which he presents the reader with a variety of ways of thinking about a higher power. Some of these ideas are ways of thinking about or relating to God, and others are non-theistic. He has written essays on such varied topics as love, spirituality, compassion, Native-American spirituality, and Buddhism, and writes about such great thought leaders as Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, and Albert Einstein. Drawing from the wisdom of many traditions, he gives the reader enough to think about that this book is likely to provide useful guidance for many if not most of his readers.
For many who find a welcoming environment and a sense of connection to the recovery group, Gordon says this may be all the higher power they ever need. The emphasis is on seeking a higher power that is approachable and likeable. He also emphasizes the seeking of a higher power on life’s journey is more critical to a successful life than whatever finding of a higher power that one may experience. He says that this is true because life is a journey, and on this journey one’s perception of a higher power may evolve and change. Importantly, the book contains an extensive bibliography and a suggested reading list for the reader to explore further the ideas of others as they progress on their journey in life of recovery and of seeking a higher power.
Formats Available: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
First Published: February 25, 2025
Publisher Name: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 979-8-8230-4298-7
Reviews for
Seeking a Higher Power
This book is a welcome addition to the literature about recovery from addiction. It offers the reader a wide range of ideas and suggestions about the question of finding a “Higher Power”, as suggested by Step 2 of the 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. This suggestion is difficult for many who approach 12 Step recovery programs such as AA, NA, OA, etc. For those sufficiently willing and open-minded, “Seeking a Higher Power” will help them both to understand why the quest for a Higher Power is fundamental to recovery, and will help them begin their quest or to deepen their quest if they are more advanced in recovery. The author draws upon ideas and approaches from a remarkable range of faith traditions and philosophical approaches, and presents them in a manner readily comprehensible to readers previously unfamiliar with them. The author’s approach is suggestive and encouraging, never dogmatic nor prescriptive in nature. The book also includes a very useful bibliography and list of suggested readings for those wishing to pursue the quest for a Higher Power by means of further study. Seeking a Higher Power is highly recommended for anyone in recovery, and at any stage — newcomer, long-timer, or anyone in between. Accordingly, the recovering community, and those laboring in the field of recovery who may not be alcoholics or addicts themselves, owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Michael C. Gordon for supplying this book.
Here are a few passages from the book that I personally found especially insightful and inspiring.
“Having become grateful we will eventually start to think about just to what or to whom we owe this sea-change in our lives. Now the idea of a benevolent higher power arises, and as time goes on it makes more sense. As loving positive thoughts replace angry negative ones, the soil is prepared for a higher power experience.” (p. 29)
“First, as we allow ourselves to be more connected with others in an empathetic way, feeling more a part of the world, we are more able to accept the limits of our power, our capacity to control events, other people, and even ourselves. With this willingness to be accepting of life as it is, with this newfound wisdom as we reduce our sense of being our own higher power, we start to make room for a new higher power. This new higher power can become more real to us if we are open to the experience and demonstrate the willingness to be contemplative, to think, and to meditate on what is going on within and around us. Secondly, in the process we find ourselves caring about and even loving others, and more remarkably, ourselves. Love has the capacity to heal us from the inside out, and it is truly within ourselves that the higher power is most likely to be found.” (p. 33)
“In the process of seeking a higher power it is important to decide whether you need specific answers to who or what the higher power is, or whether it is better for you to leave it unresolved. It is also okay to reach a conclusion, but to later change your mind. As you have new life experiences you may be influenced in a new direction or belief. I think it is important to be comfortable with the notion that your truth may not be your neighbor’s truth. Having respect for the path of other seekers of the truth is key to your own peace of mind, and a safeguard against the arrogance of being certain that you are right and knowing more than people with whom you disagree.” (p. 74)
Paul M.