Oxford Group

Oxford Group
[[File:|250px|alt=]]
Formation	1921
Type	Religious organization
Headquarters
Membership
Language	N/A
Leader title
Leader name
Website

The Oxford Group was a Christian organization founded by Frank Buchman, an American Lutheran minister, in 1921. Originally known as "A First Century Christian Fellowship," the group was later renamed the Oxford Group in the late 1920s due to its association with the University of Oxford, where many of its early members were recruited.

History

The Oxford Group's origins trace back to Buchman's personal spiritual awakening, which he experienced in 1908. This transformative event led him to emphasize the necessity of personal change through the practice of moral and spiritual principles. The movement gained momentum in the 1920s and 1930s, spreading across the United States and Europe, and attracting many followers from diverse backgrounds, including influential politicians, businessmen, and academics.

Beliefs and Practices

The core beliefs of the Oxford Group centered around the "Four Absolutes" - absolute honesty, absolute purity, absolute unselfishness, and absolute love. These principles were derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ and were intended to guide individuals in their daily lives and decisions.

The group practiced a form of spiritual sharing known as "sharing," where members would confess their sins to one another and seek guidance through prayer and meditation. This practice was believed to lead to a direct and personal guidance from God, which was a central tenet of the group's philosophy.

Impact and Legacy

The Oxford Group is perhaps best known for its influence on the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). In 1935, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, both of whom were associated with the Oxford Group, founded AA, which adapted many of the group's principles and practices into its Twelve Steps program. The Oxford Group's emphasis on personal transformation and reliance on a higher power became foundational elements in AA and later other Twelve Step programs.

Despite its initial success, the Oxford Group's popularity waned after World War II, and in 1951, it was rebranded as Moral Re-Armament (MRA). MRA continued some of the group's work but shifted focus towards broader moral and social issues.

Criticism

The Oxford Group faced criticism for its approach to religion and its methods. Critics argued that the group's emphasis on confession and its informal structure could lead to psychological manipulation and dependency. Additionally, its close ties with wealthy and influential individuals raised concerns about its motives and methods.

See Also

• Frank Buchman
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Moral Re-Armament