Sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, but always honest, the stories in Came to Believe present a wide range of perspectives on what spirituality can look like in the context of Alcoholics Anonymous, demonstrating how the A.A. program is best described as “spiritual but not religious.” The rich diversity of voices we hear reflect the infinite number of paths available to those seeking freedom from alcohol.
From newcomers just finding their way to longtimers seeking new perspectives, A.A. members of all kinds may find in Came To Believe added insight and inspiration to breathe enrich their recovery journey.
Came to Believe has been approved by the General Service Conference.
Reviews (144)
Came to Believe and so can you if just give er a try.
Came to Believe is a very good book with a very good proposition, as it is for Alcoholics first and foremost, and from my experience the most successful, happiest, joy-iest and free-iest people I know have come to believe in a power greater than themselves--anything greater than themselves--will do the trick and this book tells some pretty amazing stories! So find a comfy spot, grab a cup of coffee or tea and clear your mind of any preconceptions or resentments of how GOD is gonna get you! and have an open mind and just see what has worked for others and who knows, this just might work for you too. And like I shared last night, if nothing else give the universe the good, the bad and the indifferent and stop trying to figure it all out by yourself, and just relax and see what can happen if you just let go and let a Group of Drunks tell their story--by the way for some of us G-Group o-of D-drunks was our first God we could rely on and trust. Have a nice day!
One of my favorite of conference approved literature
Like to read a section of it each day while doing my morning prayer and meditation. Have not had the great experience of feeling God"s presence but have seen countless examples of unexplained instance where good things happen which were not accomplished by human intervention.
Interesting Read
Last year when I was in a treatment center called Timberline Knolls, I was introduced to the 12 Steps and DBT principles. I've taken both with me back into the "real world" and have used them to stay on track with my recovery. One of the things I struggled with a lot was defining the difference between spirituality and religion. I was raised Catholic and knew I didn't want to be associated with that anymore. When searching for my Higher Power in the 12 Steps, I knew that for me that would be God, but I didn't know how to define that relationship without getting another man-made religion involved. I talked a lot at TK about the concept of spirituality with a sponsor and some of the other employees there and was happy to learn that spirituality doesn't necessarily mean that you don't believe in God, it's that you're leaving behind the regulations of a church and defining that relationship yourself. This book helped to expand on that for me and provided some deeper insight to it. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is searching to find that relationship with their Higher Power, whether it's God or something else, because the presentation is clear and informative. It's very short and an easy read.
great book
This book was highly recommended but it did not make it to me and there were no copies left. However they gave me a refund . I was sorry not to have received it, but I am sure it was because all the mail was really messed and and even cards not delivered on time. I just got a card postmaked Dec. 20. They did well by me.
This is a great book for people new and in the 12 step ...
This is a great book for people new and in the 12 step programs for years. It is a great discussion book or it is great to read alone. It is stories about how people with addictions have learned to trust God. The stories are short chapters.
Indispensable advice and insight into 12-step spirituality
Wanting to grasp the idea of a higher power and looking for inspiration, I found this AA publication. Consisting of first-person essays of varying lengths, it covers a wide range of experiences and examples of how different folks came to understand their relationship with G-d. It helped me to resolve questions and doubts I have had; it also gave insights and inspiration. I recommend it, especially to anyone working the steps and wanting encouragement and support.
No preaching, just honesty
Heartfelt and honest assessments of how people came to believe in a Supreme Being and the difference it made in their lives, and in dealing with their alcoholism. What comes through are short, readable, non-preachy stories in original voices. You don't have to be an alcoholic in recovery to take away something important that will apply to your own life. If you are having struggles in any part of your life and finding no relief, you may find something to relate to in these pages.
Good resource for inspiration
This will help you on your spiritual journey. On the way to seeking a higher power of your own understanding. Came. Came to. Came to believe.
I Came to Believe!!!
Came to Believe is a book that is Alcoholics Anonymous approved literature. It's a wonderful resource for any and all recovering alcoholics. There are many AA books available to purchase on Amazon. In addition to the AA approved literature, like Came to Believe, there is also a vast amount of Hazeldon books available as well. This book has an uncanny way of reinforcing one's personal recovery. I bought the book from a seller on Amazon for merely pennies. The book arrived in great condition just a week later. This is a book that one can and should refer to over and over again.
.
If you're struggling to find some kind of belief...This may help
Came to Believe and so can you if just give er a try.
Came to Believe is a very good book with a very good proposition, as it is for Alcoholics first and foremost, and from my experience the most successful, happiest, joy-iest and free-iest people I know have come to believe in a power greater than themselves--anything greater than themselves--will do the trick and this book tells some pretty amazing stories! So find a comfy spot, grab a cup of coffee or tea and clear your mind of any preconceptions or resentments of how GOD is gonna get you! and have an open mind and just see what has worked for others and who knows, this just might work for you too. And like I shared last night, if nothing else give the universe the good, the bad and the indifferent and stop trying to figure it all out by yourself, and just relax and see what can happen if you just let go and let a Group of Drunks tell their story--by the way for some of us G-Group o-of D-drunks was our first God we could rely on and trust. Have a nice day!
One of my favorite of conference approved literature
Like to read a section of it each day while doing my morning prayer and meditation. Have not had the great experience of feeling God"s presence but have seen countless examples of unexplained instance where good things happen which were not accomplished by human intervention.
Interesting Read
Last year when I was in a treatment center called Timberline Knolls, I was introduced to the 12 Steps and DBT principles. I've taken both with me back into the "real world" and have used them to stay on track with my recovery. One of the things I struggled with a lot was defining the difference between spirituality and religion. I was raised Catholic and knew I didn't want to be associated with that anymore. When searching for my Higher Power in the 12 Steps, I knew that for me that would be God, but I didn't know how to define that relationship without getting another man-made religion involved. I talked a lot at TK about the concept of spirituality with a sponsor and some of the other employees there and was happy to learn that spirituality doesn't necessarily mean that you don't believe in God, it's that you're leaving behind the regulations of a church and defining that relationship yourself. This book helped to expand on that for me and provided some deeper insight to it. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is searching to find that relationship with their Higher Power, whether it's God or something else, because the presentation is clear and informative. It's very short and an easy read.
great book
This book was highly recommended but it did not make it to me and there were no copies left. However they gave me a refund . I was sorry not to have received it, but I am sure it was because all the mail was really messed and and even cards not delivered on time. I just got a card postmaked Dec. 20. They did well by me.
This is a great book for people new and in the 12 step ...
This is a great book for people new and in the 12 step programs for years. It is a great discussion book or it is great to read alone. It is stories about how people with addictions have learned to trust God. The stories are short chapters.
Indispensable advice and insight into 12-step spirituality
Wanting to grasp the idea of a higher power and looking for inspiration, I found this AA publication. Consisting of first-person essays of varying lengths, it covers a wide range of experiences and examples of how different folks came to understand their relationship with G-d. It helped me to resolve questions and doubts I have had; it also gave insights and inspiration. I recommend it, especially to anyone working the steps and wanting encouragement and support.
No preaching, just honesty
Heartfelt and honest assessments of how people came to believe in a Supreme Being and the difference it made in their lives, and in dealing with their alcoholism. What comes through are short, readable, non-preachy stories in original voices. You don't have to be an alcoholic in recovery to take away something important that will apply to your own life. If you are having struggles in any part of your life and finding no relief, you may find something to relate to in these pages.
Good resource for inspiration
This will help you on your spiritual journey. On the way to seeking a higher power of your own understanding. Came. Came to. Came to believe.
I Came to Believe!!!
Came to Believe is a book that is Alcoholics Anonymous approved literature. It's a wonderful resource for any and all recovering alcoholics. There are many AA books available to purchase on Amazon. In addition to the AA approved literature, like Came to Believe, there is also a vast amount of Hazeldon books available as well. This book has an uncanny way of reinforcing one's personal recovery. I bought the book from a seller on Amazon for merely pennies. The book arrived in great condition just a week later. This is a book that one can and should refer to over and over again.
.
If you're struggling to find some kind of belief...This may help
Wonderful!
Love this inspirational book! Another asset to my sobriety!
A great tool for recovery
I loved this book! The stories contained in it are hard hitting and I could relate to them all. For anyone who wants to know about the AA program, this is a good introductory book.
Loved
Loved
Spiritual book for 12 step recovery
If you are in recovery this is a great book to read.
A must read for people in recovery.
I purchased this for someone I am sponsoring in recovery. So helpful.
Something for everyone
I believe there is something in this book for everyone. I didn't relate to some of the stories early on but towards the middle and surley towards the end alot of them were sticking like glue. Al Anon Newcomer
a selection of essays
An old favorite of mine, finally purchased a e copy for my tablet. Quick order, as expected, and quite lovely process. Okay I was at the clubhouse when I bought and downloaded it before the MTG opened. Good for those times when the D.R. or 24HAD are just too short or a good supplement for the ESH stories.
Great book.
Very spiritual and helpful book. Highly recommend to anyone interested in spirituality. Stories are deep and relatable. Practical. Much appreciated.
Love it
Great read
I never received this book. When I look in ...
I never received this book. When I look in my order summary it does not show but I was charged for this product.
Book
Book
A GO-TO SPIRITUAL LIFT
I pick up this book often when I'm looking for comfort, motivation, purpose, or simply peace in my day. It provides excellent topics for AA mtg's, but it's a great bed stand addition as well. Highly recommend!
Uplifting
Easy to purchase and a good uplifting book. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with addiction.
Grateful
This book was just like new, thank you!
Good Spirituality Book
Great book - it's a much more recent publication that I thought it was and has a lot of great spirituality content. I read this with a sponsee while working Step 3 and we both got a lot out of it.
Book
Good book for a person working on Step 2 or 3 in AA or OA etc.
Came to Believe
An inspirational book filled with hope!
The title says it all
Came to believe what I already knew that I'm not alone.
When the going gets tough.
Very moving and inspiring stories. You may think you don't need a Higher Power in your life, but many people in this book came to find out they did.
The book for the A.A. Newcomer
This is the perfect companion book for the new person entering into an AA recovery program. It contains stories that explain how many individuals who were without a Higher Power, "Came to Believe" in one.
Seems brand new, on time.
Listed as "used, good". Seems brand new. Arrived on time.
Five Stars
Excellent product. Will recommend
Very Inspirational
Love reading about the experiences of others.
Great read for people in the program.
The book’s chapters are used for readings/discussions in an AA meeting.
Got a problem with addiction?
This is a good book to read and ponder. Addicts need help that is at least as powerful as the disease of mind and body that wants to destroy our lives. Help is out there and in here. Read this book.
Struggling with the idea of a Higher Power? The ...
Struggling with the idea of a Higher Power? The stories in this book written by people who share in this struggle, outline how they worked through the basic spiritual principals that lead to contented sobriety. The format allows for a daily reading which will inspire you to read more. An essential reading tool for any long-term recovery toolbox!
Helpful in day to day life on recovery
Recovery
necessary for steps 3,4, 11
so powerful and inspiring for recovery
AA aproved
Great 12 Step reading to go with the big book. We have an entire meeting using this book. Lots to reflect on and comment about. Great to add to your library!
Still a great read
I have over 31 years C&S, this book is still a great read......
Great book. Lets you read quotes from all kinds ...
Great book. Lets you read quotes from all kinds of early AA people and get an insight into how it all works.
Excellent Book!
A must for any recovering alcoholics and addicts! I received as a gift and bought one to do the same!
Recovery to ok l
Great tool for working AA step 2.
Love
Lost my old book and SO happy to get another. If you are in recovery and haven't read this yet, I HIGHLY recommend it!
great
great, great,great, great, great, wonderful, beautiful great, great,great, great, great, wonderful, beautiful great, great,great, great, great, wonderful, beautiful great yea, .
sometimes I do find it inspiring
Not one of my favorites but sometimes I do find it inspiring a F.O.B.
Five Stars
Great Information!
AA is awesome. The seller who sent me this book packaged ...
AA is awesome. The seller who sent me this book packaged it properly and it's a beautiful story about newly sober people and their spiritual journeys through sobriety.
It works if you believe.
This book is written for people struggling for sobriety. It made me think a lotand helped me connect.
Thanks
This is one of the many things to save my life 32 years ago.Keeeps me going .I would highly recommend
not for me
not what I expected. Looking for a book to help with finding a higher power other than the traditional religious Christ . This didn't come close
Idea gift
A gift for another. An idead gift for someone in 12 step program. A treasure to share with another person.
great product. love it. just what I needed. couldn't ask for better. worth every penny. best of the best. perfect.
great product. love it. just what I needed. couldn't ask for better. worth every penny. best of the best. perfect.
Satisfied
Arrived in very good shape, of course the reading will depend on the individual reading it, but it was al that I had expected.
Believe
Informative book, well written
Classic
Classic.
It was a good read
This helped me in early sobority. It was a good read, helpful in selecting meeting topics and good for literature meetings.
Five Stars
Yes
Five Stars
In recovery this book was very instrumental in simple terms. The stories were so enlightening.
God of my understanding
A must have if you're in recovery. Can help those searching for God also
worth every penny and more
Inspirational stories of changed attitudes resulting in changed lives
Five Stars
I gave this as a gift, and it became precious.
Five Stars
Very good basic Alcoholics Anonymous literature
love this book
one of the best books to help a person develop a relationship with their HP. Great for newcomers in the program.
Five Stars
Excellent
great book
really great addition to my big book. Im excited to read it all cover to cover :) Thank you Bill W and others.
So good
This book is such a good friendly and helpful reminder when doing step 2 work. Whatever place you are in in your life, however you are struggling to define your Higher Power, this book will help.
... that I am thinking about but it is a great book for my collection and for myself to own ...
Have not finished reading it yet I read it when I need to go to a subject that I am thinking about but it is a great book for my collection and for myself to own thank you.
Five Stars
good
Great read
No man is an island and nor should they be. The path of fellows who have been there, done that and survived to share their tale is inspiring, heartening and deeply moving.
Five Stars
Excellent transaction.
Three Stars
The stories didn't interest me too much.
Great stories for the Journey
Some great short stories to help on our journey in sobriety
good helpful
very well written...good helpful insight
Needs
Met my needs.
Five Stars
Well written. Very convincing
Five Stars
GREAT
Came in great condition!
I bought this book for my husband because he has been doing a lot of reading this time around and I am so proud of him because he is doing what he is supposed to do and needs to do for today. This book came in excellent condition and what made it even better is how his face lit up when I opened the envelope. Thank you for helping me to help my husband stay sober one day at a time! May God bless you!
Three Stars
Would rather read the big book.
Short stories & personal experiences
This is a great little book - very thin, an easy read. It is full of first-person stories relating how each person came to believe in a higher power. It is inspiring and enlightening - it shows many different ways that people have grappled with this issue and what happened in their lives as a result.
Five Stars
super
Five Stars
Thank you
Five Stars
great
Five Stars
great
Great book
New in recovery, this book is wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Some on in AA mentioned it and I had to have it !!!!!!!!!!!
Love it!
Very insightful and inspiring.
'Came to Believe '
' Came to Believe ' is truely an inspirational book for anybody in recovery. A great book to gain perspective and insight on coming to terms with a higher power.
Five Stars
I needed to read these words. Some of the stories hit home . . .
Good stuff!
Great stories about the spiritual journey for both those new and seasoned in recovery.
binding was broken,
binding was broken, pages are falling out
Five Stars
great book.
On our journey
Inspiring
Oldie but...
Surprised I couldn't find a copy through local AA, there are some remarks on spirituality I wanted to save from it. The search for meaning, & acceptance of life on life's terms, never ends. Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Published Year: 1973
Highly recommend.
Great companion piece to go along with the Big book and the step book. Other people's perspectives and what they've been through.
Four Stars
good reading
Five Stars
Arrived as expected in excellent condition and on time.
Came to Believe
This gave me a deeper understanding of my Higher Power to help me in my progress of the 12 Step Al-Anon progrma
Five Stars
good book
Generally Speaking for a Good Tool
A good group study discussion tool
good book for step knowleged
this is a great book for 2nd & 3rd step work... it gives a very detailed and variety of perspectives.
Five Stars
Outstanding book. I found the first person account spiritual uplifting.
Five Stars
GOOD BOOK.
STRENGTH
HAVE THINGS IN COMMON WITH ALL AND IT'S NICE TO KNOW ALL OF US BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN RECOVERY HAVE OUR STORIES TO SHARE AND HELP ONE ANOTHER.
Five Stars
Wonderful & inspiring.
Five Stars
Great book
Came to believe
Came to believe that a Power greater than myself could restore me to sanity. Finding a God concept is very difficult for some AA just coming to the program. this book of shared experience tells how many have made it over this hurdle.
Five Stars
there is so much gold in here!
Five Stars
Excellent book -- I would highly recommend reading
At hand anywhere anytime.
This book has come in handy since I have it on several devices at my command anytime anywhere.
Four Stars
Good reading
basic AA
I lost my copy of this book many years ago; was excited to find it again at such a good price!
An inspiring book
If you are tormented to drink, and have doubts about the existence of a Supreme Being, this book is a must read.
Five Stars
Bought for son
Five Stars
Love this book for my addiction groups! Very inspirational material
Beautiful stories!
Great read!
Five Stars
Simply relevant and life changing
Two Stars
not what I expected.
Not what I'd hoped
While I love the writings of Bill W, this insipid, badly written and smarmy book was just not my cup of tea.
essential thought on "the God thing"
I love this book. I'm a twelve-stepper who came to the program from a Christian fundamantalist childhood by way of a period recovering from that. One thing I came to believe from reading this book was that a higher power is not comprehensible by me or anyone else living or dead. Many traditions have been established that attempt to essentialize something greater than the individual in ways that suit their own needs. I'm fortnuate enough to be very well educated. I'm not into fairy tales. I do, however, experience many things about life that I cannot explain. This book helped me to understand that whatever shorthand various humans have assigned to the phenomena of life and their experiences is just that. Some power greater than myself, however, is a simple concept. (I'm a literary sort and rate this book within the context of recovery literature and books that have made an impact on me. The prose is not where it's at with this one.)
Open your mind
I felt moved by every section. If you're looking for a spiritual awakening, this book helps find it. It also changed my perspective on my spiritual life and the importance of AA in it.
Informative
Fabulous book
Five Stars
Into Bill and Bob... AA.. This is a must have for Step 3
Thankyou for your thoughtful service
Love the book, Thank you for your thoughtful service to our account. This book is used for our Compulsive Eaters Anonymous -HOW meetings and having it available at an affordable price gives more members access to its help
Keep coming back -- to "Came To Believe"
I dip into this AA World Services publication daily. I find it best to read one story at a sitting and reflect on the comments and experience of the recovering person -- most of the short reflections are peoples' spiritual experiences in recovery and they range from the "bolt of lightening" to the slow emergence of everyday spirituality. Keep it with your morning or evening meditation book(s) and dip into it. You'll "keep coming back."
Older Book
Expected this to be a newer edition of this book. I also thought the book would be in a little better shape.
***TEST***
community test
Good price
Book in good condition
Its a very good book for recovery.
I loved it. I am using the book at a twelve step meeting. We are reading and commenting on what we've read
If you think you need it… Read it!
This book speaks for itself. It doesn’t need my review since it’s been helping people get sober for a long time.
This is a great book for anyone new to recovery or just new ...
This is a great book for anyone new to recovery or just new to believing in a Higher Power. Have owned the book for 20 years but I lost it during a move. It's simple to understand written by real people who had no or little faith to start with but new they needed something bigger than themselves to believe in if they were going to stay clean and sober from any addiction.
A truly inspiring little book.........
Having been clean & sober for 21 years, I count this little book as one of my most important "tools" for inspiration & example. One of the stories in the book entitled "In his own individual right" on page 5 is, in my opinion, the best description of spirituality I've come across. Other stories in the book have brought tears to my eyes on many occasions - it's a pretty emotional book for anybody on the road to recovery. READ IT AND ENJOY..................
Good book for those looking for their HP
Good book for those looking for their HP
AA world services...
This is used in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Easy read
Sometimes I find AA books a little harder to read and understand but this book is far from that. Easy read couldn't put it down. Fab!!!