2006-09-15 10:10:04 · 21 answers · asked by Kenny ♣ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
They require a "higher power" which is later described in the steps as God....
Buddhists have an entirely different view on "God" and make it through the steps just fine... I know because I am one...
The point is that you have to believe that there are things out there that are bigger than you and that you cannot control... for most people that is God.
I know many Pagans, Buddhists and 2 atheists that work the steps and have years clean and sober. One atheist describes God as an acronym - Good Orderly Direction.
Hope that helps.
2006-09-15 10:15:38 · answer #1 · answered by rabble rouser 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
There in order for a reason do the first 5 when your ready for 6 you will have an answer. Bill W the founder of the first 12 step program said that one of the most spiritual people he had ever met was an athiest. Beleive it or not. Yes there are plenty of athiest in 12 step programs who realize that God or no God the people in AA are doing what They cannot do for themselves the AA group will do as a higher power. THe important thing is to have an open mind dont drink clean house help others. THe important thing at least is to know YOU are not God.ANother important thing to know is that life is great without booze and when you get through the 12 steps you will no longer miss booze you will rarely think of it and you will be free. thats a promise if you work it ,
2006-09-15 10:21:00 · answer #2 · answered by Rich 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The steps don't require God. They only require belief that there is a "higher power" - in other words... something out there in the universe greater than yourself. Call it God... call it Allah... call it Mother Nature... call it Kismet or Buddha or The Great White Pumpkin.
It's just that there is a higher authority than yourself as an individual solo human being.
Also there are other programs that don't work the way the 12 steps do, so you might want to consider a different program. This might work better for you: http://www.self-renewal.com/how_to_quit_drinking.htm This is spirituality without Christianity. Inner peace doesn't come through God for everyone. Find a program that fits you instead of trying to make yourself fit a program.
Good luck to you...
2006-09-15 10:16:35 · answer #3 · answered by thegirlwholovedbrains 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
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2016-10-15 01:04:27 · answer #4 · answered by merkel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I am unfamiliar with the program. Is it possible to complete each step without acknowledging there is a God? There must be a way to maintain your beliefs, or non beliefs and complete the program. Ask your sponser.
2006-09-15 10:14:58 · answer #5 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
My friend is in AA and is pretty much atheistic. He prays and gives his life over to 'god' with the important point that god is 'as he understands "him"' (he told me that he looks to god as the standard voice in our heads where we know whether what we're doing is gonna give us happiness or make us feel like crap). He talks about becoming aware of his ego/will and the dynamics of it and how stepping back from this 'will' is key (I don't know the details and I'm probably getting some of it wrong). But it's working wonders for him so...
2006-09-15 10:24:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
They don't require God. They require a 'higher power'. Many AA members literally view the doorknob to the meeting place as their higher power, a symbol of their determination to better themselves.
People who get clean because they 'find god' aren't cured. Shake their faith and you have an addict on your hands. Real healing requires healing the person, not the myth of their soul.
2006-09-15 10:13:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
YES!! You can use the group as a higher power as they know more about staying sober than you do at this time. I suggest you get a like minded sponsor you feel comfortable with. A.A. is anything but a bible thumping, judgmental organization. Good Luck!
2006-09-15 11:34:25 · answer #8 · answered by cats/eyes 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most can't and if they do, they still suffer, they can't figure out what is missing in their lives. I struggled with AA and NA for 25 years. When I truely met my Higher power, Jesus Christ, He both saved and healed me. That was 8 years ago . I truely have life now.
I see most folks answering haven't lived it, I have. If God isn't the higher power, there is none. A door knob, a chair or even a sponcer can't give you what is missing, it's God and it took me 25 years to see it.
I also see , from the thumbs down I get, that the truth isn't really what alot of people want. So be it. I'll never stop telling.
We are worth a Son to God.
2006-09-15 10:15:04 · answer #9 · answered by thomasnotdoubting 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Read the "big book." This question is answered there. Also, it is often discussed at open meetings.
There are probably atheist or agnostic meetings in your area, ask.
Bottom line, and my understanding is that a green plant can be your "higher power" and that your higher power is different from everyone else's anyway.
2006-09-15 10:15:52 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋