Sam Shoemaker

Samuel Moor Shoemaker (December 27, 1893 – October 31, 1963) was an influential Episcopal priest and a significant figure in the history of religion in the United States during the 20th century. He played a crucial role in the spiritual program that would later become the foundation for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), making substantial contributions to the development of its Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Shoemaker's emphasis on the necessity of a personal transformation through a Higher Power and the importance of making amends were integral to the formation of AA's core principles.

Biography

Samuel Moor Shoemaker was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1893. He pursued his education at Princeton University, where he became involved in the Oxford Group, a Christian movement that emphasized a personal experience of God as the solution to a wide range of personal problems, including alcoholism. After Princeton, Shoemaker attended the General Theological Seminary in New York City, further deepening his religious convictions and commitment to the Oxford Group's principles.

In the early 1930s, Shoemaker became the rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in New York City. It was here that he met Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Wilson was struggling with his alcoholism, and through his interactions with Shoemaker, he found the spiritual basis for what would become AA's Twelve Steps. Shoemaker's teachings and writings, particularly on the nature of personal conversion and the necessity of confessing sins to another person, were instrumental in shaping AA's approach to recovery.

Contributions to Alcoholics Anonymous

Shoemaker's influence on Alcoholics Anonymous cannot be overstated. While he was never a member of AA himself, his spiritual insights and principles were adopted by Wilson and became central to AA's philosophy. Shoemaker advocated for the idea that a personal relationship with a Higher Power was essential for overcoming personal failings, including addiction. This concept is reflected in several of the Twelve Steps, especially Steps Three and Eleven.

Moreover, Shoemaker's emphasis on the importance of sharing one's personal story of struggle and redemption with others laid the groundwork for AA's meeting format, where members share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other. This practice of open, honest communication is a cornerstone of the AA program and has helped millions of individuals on their journey to recovery.

Legacy

Sam Shoemaker's legacy is felt not only in the realm of addiction recovery but also in the broader context of 20th-century American Christianity. His writings and sermons continue to be read by those seeking spiritual guidance, and his influence on Alcoholics Anonymous has cemented his place in the history of American religion. Shoemaker's work exemplifies the power of faith and community in addressing personal and societal challenges.

Selected Works

Shoemaker authored several books and articles throughout his life, focusing on the themes of personal transformation, the power of God in individual lives, and the importance of community in spiritual growth. Some of his notable works include:

• Realizing Religion
• The Conversion of the Church
• Children of the Second Birth

See Also

• Oxford Group
• Bill Wilson (Bill W.)
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Twelve Steps
• Twelve Traditions