26F, newly sober and just finished the AA Big Book. The sobriety process has been difficult but has made me a true believer and I know I’ve been saved. Reading the Big Book and surrendering to a Higher Power inspired me to begin reading the Bible, but I think that’ll be a slow process.
Now that I’ve finished the Big Book, im looking for reading recommendations! I grew up with devout Catholicism forced on me (which I rejected), so I’m essentially discovering God for the first time. I’m looking to read about surrendering to God, coming to know Him, how to live for Him, how to pray efficiently, and how to turn my troubles to Him. I obviously experience mental illness in my daily life so relying on God and trusting Him has helped me immensely in staying sober.
Thank you in advance!
by largeinanimateobject
4 Comments
Brand New by Les Beauchamp
Following, currently in a similar experience
I would suggest reading the Bible. There is an organization that is good for new believers called Bible study fellowship. https://join.bsfinternational.org/find-in-person-group As Christians, we need fellowship with other believers.
Firstly the Bible is absolutely your first port of call in Christianity and everything you read should be tested against it. If a book contradicts Biblical teaching, get advice from a trusted fellow believer and trust the Bible first. The Bible is often thought of as a library of books, so don’t feel you have to read from page 1 all the way through. My recommendation is that you read Mark first, then John, then Romans or Hebrews and explore from there. In general, the New Testament is more readable, but it happens in the context of the Old Testament, so gradually you should read that too. Commentaries can be read alongside the Bible to help your understanding, or you can listen to sermons and similar. It’s a journey, allow yourself to accept God’s grace and recognise it’s okay to be still learning.
Other recs:
CS Lewis is a classic apologetics writer, and I find understanding the rational reasoning behind faith quite useful for new believers.
John Mark Comer’s The Garden City really helped me recontextulise work, and challenges the idea of separate secular and sacred spaces for Christians.
The Power of Positive Praying by John Bisagno is older and focuses on developing a healthy prayer life and I found it quite accessible.
Finally, I second the recommendation to connect with other believers at a church. Possibly find one local to you that’s running an Alpha course, designed for those exploring the Christian faith and new believers to get a run down on basics and provide spaces to ask questions openly. A good one will be judgement free and trying to create a space