A salute to AA Historian Dick B. by Worldwide Christian Recovery Leader and Consultant Michael Liitmatta of Kansas City

A Saluate to Dick B.
By Michael Liimatta on May 31st, 2012
Dick B., AA Historian
Staying true to AA’s tradition of anonymity, he calls himself “Dick B., an active, recovered member of Alcoholics Anonymous.” A graduate of the school of law at Stanford University, he was once Case Editor of the Stanford Law Review. Early in life, Dick became interested in Bible study, inspired by his mother’s study of Scripture, and was involved in Biblical research and teaching. Still, his alcoholism resulted in giving up his law practice.

In 1986, Dick B. began recovery as a member of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. In 1990, his interest in A.A.’s Biblical/Christian roots was sparked by his attendance at A.A.’s International Convention in Seattle. Since then, he has traveled widely; researched at archives, and at public and seminary libraries; interviewed scholars, historians, clergy, A.A. “old-timers” and survivors; and has participated in conferences, programs, panels, and seminars on early A.A.’s spiritual history.

Dick B. is a major force in today’s efforts to establish the Christian influence on the development of Alcoholics Anonymous. His body of work on the history and successes of early Alcoholics Anonymous includes seminars, books, articles, radio interviews, videos, audio cassettes tapes, audio blog talks, and newspaper articles. They show how the basic, and highly successful, biblical ideas used by early AAs can be valuable tools for success in today’s A.A. Also, the religious and recovery communities are using his research and titles to work more effectively with alcoholics, addicts, and others involved in Twelve Step programs.

Dick B. has had 33 titles published about the history and successes of early A.A.., has developed study materials to be used in Christian support groups, and is currently working to develop a network of programs and Christian recovery workers through the new International Christian Recovery Coalition.

Learn more about his work at http://www.dickb.com.

Click to play button on the player below to hear his recent interview with Michael Liimatta on “Christian Recovery Radio with Dick B.”