2007-03-18 17:48:42 · 9 answers · asked by jsjmlj 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
AA offers nothing to the atheist other than conversion.
Dr. Bob tells readers "If you think you're an atheist, an agnostic, a skeptic, or have any other form of intellectual pride that keeps you from accepting what is in this book, I feel sorry for you."
-Big Book, pg.181-
Mandated AA has been declared a violation of the Establishment Clause by the Second and Seventh District Courts, the New York State Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Tennessee. The Supreme Court of the United States has refused to hear appeals of these cases. A person fighting it in other parts of the country would almost be guaranteed a win, but the time and cost is prohibitive.
2007-03-19 08:31:54 · answer #1 · answered by raysny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had experience with this very problem. Although my treatment wasn't court ordered, it was necessary (at least I think so now, I didn't at the time), and the program was based on the 12 steps to recovery (which is partly what AA is based on). I'm not an atheist, but I am most definitely agnostic - and I have never believed in any sort of God or higher power.
The AA people will tell you things like "you don't have to believe in god, you just need to believe in a higher power than yourself". That's their solution, and for some people it will work. For me, it did not. Every time people brought out the "God" word it was like nails on a chalkboard to me -- it basically made me feel like I was completely out of place. AA to me was not a good place for a secular intellectual, and in order for me to keep myself clean I had to stop participating.
That being said -- there are very real benefits of going to AA or a treatment center if you are unable to control yourself. It gives you a chance to see how insane your lifestyle really is, and that you really must make changes. Whether or not you use their program is up to you -- but it is really not a bad idea to "fake it until you make it", and just pretend you believe their religious nonsense but really just listen to the parts that make sense to you.
It worked for me. Three years ago I was out of school working for Domino's - getting wasted all day long... after a month in a treatment center and a couple weeks in a halfway house (couldn't stand it there and ducked out early) -- Today I'm back in college getting good grades, I don't use drugs, and I drink socially and rarely (a couple times a month). I'm happy with where I am, and I have to give the AA people credit for at least setting me down the right path.
2007-03-18 18:06:49 · answer #2 · answered by brooks b 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
AA does not insist that your "higher power" be "God" or any other religious symbol. Your belief that it does is just wrong. Your higher power, and the discussion around that, is simply a belief that there's some force out there in the world that is greater than you are. For christians, it's God. For non-christians, it's whoever they choose to worship... for an athiest, it could be nature, karma, whatever.
If you can't work with that, then go talk to a judge. I haven't yet heard of a program that doesn't, in one form or another, deal with some higher power.
2007-03-18 17:57:12 · answer #3 · answered by Amy S 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Thats a very good question.. and one I've asked my self before theoretically as AA is def an xtian programme.. it dosent allow for pagan or atheiests.. I guess that bit would be one for the ACLU to bring to court.. I'm just suprised it hasnt happend yet is all..
2007-03-18 18:12:32 · answer #4 · answered by darchangel_3 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the chance to realize they need help thank your good luck you haven't commited vehicular manslaughter before getting caught .God or no god I con't want your alcoholism killing me or my friends . I'm an atheist and say tell the fool to get a life.
I've been through plenty of religious fantasy programs that have plenty to offer in spite of the unbelievable deity BS.
And if your ignorance makes it a punitive order for you I hope it sticks in your mind forever for I'd go to a phony god any day before killing people as a drunk .
2007-03-18 18:02:33 · answer #5 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very interesting question. It seems like you are being discriminated over your religious beliefs or lack thereof.I would venture to guess in this political climate you are not going to get a fair shake. I would think the ACLU would take your case. Don't expect to win.
2007-03-18 18:02:28 · answer #6 · answered by J.W. 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A chance to realize that if God existed, per the masses expectations, that there are a lot of people there with a lot more brains than on the streets.
2007-03-18 17:52:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A non demonational AA course
2007-03-18 17:54:36 · answer #8 · answered by TedEx 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
In your case, I hope it would be 20 years.
Now grow up and consider yourself fortunate to be free and have taxpayers pay the bill to put your atheist *** back on your feet, which is more than you deserve you whiner.
2007-03-18 17:51:57 · answer #9 · answered by krazykritik 5 · 0⤊ 5⤋