About this episode

Fr. Bill explores the concept of willingness and the role of the ego in spiritual life through the works of Thomas R. Kelly.

Steps 3 and 11 frame the vision for a wholly new way of life. It’s one lived, not under the direction of the ego but under the guidance and direction of a Power greater than ourselves. But the ego has a role to play and that’s through the right use of the will. The purpose of the will is: TO BE WILLING! In this series, Fr. Bill explores an essay by Quaker mystic Thomas R. Kelly titled HOLY OBEDIENCE. There’s a free pdf link in the show notes below. It’s also one of several articles found in Kelly’s book A Testament of Devotion. It makes for great reading in a morning Quiet Time. But a word of caution. Read it slowly; it’s a lot for a poor ego to swallow all at once! Show notes: Holy Obedience by Thomas R. Kelly https://quaker.org/legacy/pamphlets/wpl1939a.html A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly with an Introduction by Richard J. Foster

People in this episode

Host: Father Bill W.

Topics covered

• spiritual guidance
• ego
• will
• Quaker mysticism
• new way of life
• holy obedience

Keywords

• spirituality
• ego
• will
• Thomas R. Kelly
• holy obedience
• new way of life
• devotion

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: HOLY OBEDIENCE, A Testament of Devotion

More episodes of Father Bill W.

• Journey from Boy to Man in Recovery ep2 · July 20, 2026 · 1h 8m
• From Boy to Man in Recovery ep1 · July 15, 2026 · 56 min
• Willing to Be Willing pt.2 · July 2, 2026 · 23 min
• The Last Three Steps: When the Juice Runs Dry · June 16, 2026 · 20 min

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