"You Can't Have Your Cake And Eat It Too"

Hi People,

Being a recovering alcoholic,I've attended my share of "AA" meetings.

Personally,sitting in a room with a bunch of other addicts telling their stories did absolutely nothing for me.I didn't want to attend these meetings,but at the rehab facility I was at,if you didn't go,you'd never hear the end of it from other people and the staff.I knew that I was an addict,nobody had to tell me.Don't get me wrong,"AA" is a great thing for some,and I'm happy that it that it works for them,I'm not just saying that.

The only problem I have with "AA" is the way they view God.I once asked one of the nurses why they say "Admit there is a higher power".Why not just say God?She replied that not all people are comfortable with the belief of one true ultimate creator.Who else could be the "Higher Power"?Even atheists refer to God as He.In the particular meetings I went to,it was always saying the "Serenity Prayer" to conclude each meeting.

If you don't want to refer to God in that way,fine.But don't use the the word God in the "Serenity Prayer".You can't have it both ways.

Peace.
Kaz

They are probably just trying to be respectful to people of all faiths, and there is nothing wrong with that.

I have to point out that saying "Even atheists refer to God as He." is inaccurate. Atheists don't have a set belief system. "Atheism is no more a religion than not collecting stamps is a hobby." What that means is that atheism is not a belief system, it is a lack of a religious belief system.

Anyhow, having previously worked in mental health, I have read some AA literature. I find that it is very religiously oriented, but indirect about it. That being said I can understand your view of thinking that they are religious without admitting it. Overall, I think the AA literature's view of a higher power is more about convincing people to accept help because they are less likely to succeed on their own. It's an issue of control to them, because addiction is an issue of control.