Surrendered—The Sacred Art: Shattering the Illusion of Control and Falling into Grace with Twelve-Step Spirituality

Rabbi Shapiro reflects on the first three steps of 12-step programs in this complex, useful companion to his previous guide, Recovery—The Sacred Art. He centers the idea that all addictions arise from the desire to control; only by surrendering, and giving up the illusion of stability, he writes, can addicts engage the steps in a meaningful way. His first section questions the static self and urges an understanding of constant flux and process. He then unpacks conceptions of God as a controlling, easily described deity in favor of a power that cannot be understood by human reason. Shapiro pushes still deeper with his close reading of the third step, which explores the illusion of free will. Shapiro effectively draws examples from Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Taoist, and Buddhist traditions and ends with a section on virtues for “living surrendered,” including serenity, humility, and a fresh explanation of forgiveness. The heady nature of his arguments will require serious effort from readers, but the conversational tone and brevity make his advice approachable to anyone. This deep but sometimes disorienting guide will help some addicts reframe how spirituality relates to their recovery. (Aug.)