12 Steps to Spiritual Evolution: Transforming Recovery with Barry Vennard
What if humans are now evolving into our next stage—oneness, the ability to live Divine Love? Can the 12 Steps, traditionally associated with addiction recovery, be used by anyone as an evolutionary path to love?
Ever wondered if our self-centeredness is just a phase? In this intriguing episode of 'Spirit of Recovery', hosts Rev. Dan Beckett and Rev. Michelle Vargas are joined by Unity minister and author Barry Vennard. They dive into the idea that human evolution is leading us toward oneness and Divine Love.
Vennard, known for his book 'Stepping Through the Narrow Gate: Personal Transformation Through Evolutionary Spirituality', shares his own journey through a crisis of faith and how it led him to study human evolution from Darwin to Daniel Dennett. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as they discuss how the 12 Steps, often linked with addiction recovery, can be a path to spiritual evolution for anyone.
Imagine pairing these steps with the twelve Christ powers to activate our intrinsic impulse to evolve. It's not just about overcoming addiction; it's about reaching a higher state of being. Listeners will find themselves captivated by discussions on foundational phases like making the decision to turn one's life over to a loving concept of God, and the paradox of living with an addictive personality while experiencing profound transformation.
They also touch on the life review steps involving inventories and making amends, and the powerful act of renunciation—letting go of outdated ideas and attitudes. Wrapping up, the episode explores the newfound creative power we possess as evolving humans and how we can harness it for the greater good. This episode is a deep dive into how recovery and spirituality intertwine, offering a fresh perspective that could inspire you to embark on your own spiritual journey.