• Steps Three and Eleven of our Big Book originally contained the word “God” without qualification. Pass It On, page 198.
• After a dispute in the office of Ruth Hock, the secretary who typed the manuscripts, it was decided to change the language to “God as we understood Him.” Dick B., Twelve Steps for You, 19-20, 25.
• Though one early AA claimed authorship of the expression, Bill Wilson never specifically stated its source.
• We now know that Bill Wilson had extensive conferences with Rev. Sam Shoemaker as the Big Book was being assembled. We also know that Bill asked Sam to write the Twelve Steps and that Sam declined suggesting that Bill should write them. Dick B., New Light on Alcoholism, 357-84, 8-10, 73.
• We also know that the expression “God as you understand Him” was in common use by Sam Shoemaker in his writings at least as early as the date of his title, Children of the Second Birth. Dick B., New Light on Alcoholism, 95-97, 156.
Richard G. Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.) Writer, Historian, Bible Student, Retired attorney, Recovered AA