2007-03-08 03:54:30 · 19 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The question is meant to refer to atheists who identify themselves as alcoholics and seek to use Alcoholics Anonymous as a resource for recovery.
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2007-03-08 04:04:54 · update #1
Atheist members of Alcoholics Anonymous can use the fellowship itself "Group Of Drunks" or the principles of the program "Good Orderly Direction" for their higher power.
2007-03-08 04:03:56 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Alcoholics Anonymous is rather flexible about the Higher Power. There are those who rely on the collective wisdom of the group, and some who rely upon God. The key is "God (as you understand him).
Atheists would likely rely upon the collective wisdom of society and philosophy and science.
2007-03-08 12:00:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They don't. And they don't want to. Which is why it should be illegal to force people into AA programs or lose their jobs - which many companies try to do.
Many non-religious people try SOS instead - the Secular Organization for Sobriety.
The problem I have with AA is that they tell you it's not your fault that you have this problem, and if you admit that and turn your life over to a higher power - any power - that power will fix it for you. Of course it's your fault, and only you can really change that. Deciding that you're helpless and powerless over your own life can't be helpful at all.
2007-03-08 12:00:38 · answer #3 · answered by eri 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Some say they use the group. In the 12 & 12, they outline how this is a "starter god", something to believe in until you find God.
I couldn't do it. The core of AA is a belief in god. You are told to believe you are powerless over your addiction and only God can save you.
Some claim you can believe in whatever you want, but the program give specifics on what God will and will not do for you; once a program starts defining God, it becomes a religion unto itself.
The steps do not read "I came to believe...", but rather, "WE came to believe..."; your version of God is expected to conform to everyone elses beliefs.
I found that declaring myself as an atheist looking for help in the rooms attracted everyone who thought they could convert me, but no one was there to offer any tips on staying sober or support.
2007-03-08 14:19:05 · answer #4 · answered by raysny 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
George Plimpton
2007-03-08 11:58:43 · answer #5 · answered by Bran McMuffin 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Higher brain power
2007-03-08 11:59:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alcoholics Anonymous is nothing but mandated religion.
It teaches you that you are weak and helpless and that there's nothing you can do about your addiction except turn to another addiction; namely God, and a particular God at that.
The SOS has it right... they don't treat you as a weak, helpless sonofabitch that can't be cured unless you "give up yourself"... it shows you that your addiction is something that YOU need to find the inner strength to overcome, and that YOU already have it.
2007-03-08 12:05:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
One of two:
The Flying Spaghetti Monster (general atheist higher power) and more specific to R&S : GODZILLA!!!
2007-03-08 11:57:41 · answer #8 · answered by Kallan 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Atheists are rarely alcoholics. They live by reason and rationality, addiction is neither of these things.
2007-03-08 11:59:16 · answer #9 · answered by Huggles-the-wise 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Got to go with the yahoo answers contact list.
2007-03-08 13:41:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋