12 step programs say that your "Higher Power" could be anything. Doesn't this go against what the bible says?

Answer 1

this is the biggest flaw with 12 step programs: insisting that people admit that there's some 'higher power' instead of taking responsibility for themselves. aa is a joke. one of the biggest jokes of the 20th century.

no, tonks_op, the program *does not* work - not for anyone with half a brain. instead of believing what you're told, look it up.

Answer 2

if you are an addict or an alcoholic and in a 12=step program, you are desperate. When you are reading the Big Book, and the Bible it does not occur to you to question that. I am speaking from experience, by the way. They do not make a huge issue out of your "Higher Power" being just anything. In fact everwhere I have been they have referred to God. Maybe in some areas or groups it is an issue, but I think overall it is accepted as God. If you are a Christian and in the program, of course your Higher Power would be God, so it would be a moot point.

to Serj-I have been sober for 10+ years thanks to the program and God. IT DOES WORK! Without a doubt, if you have a problem 99.9% of the time you can not do it alone. You need help, and I could not have done it without constant prayer and working the program with other people. Sorry Serj, you are mistaken.

Answer 3

If you pick a different "higher power" other than God - then yes, it goes against the Bible.
It's OK to be in a program that tells you to pick a "higher power"... Just pick God as your higher power and you won't be going against the Bible.

You can't expect secular programs to follow the Bible. Do what the Bible says - not what some person says.

In the original AA 12-step program the "higher power" was God... but, overtime, to become more "politically correct" they changed it to "higher power".

Answer 4

The 12 step program is a Spiritual self help program. It is not a religious program. AA was founded by a Doctor, a stockbroker and with the help of an Episcopal priest. The program was meant to be spiritual in nature without professing any religion. So yes a Higher Power for an Atheist would be different than one for a Christian. And this is good. The program works.

Answer 5

who cares. 12 step programs are trying to accomodate and tolerate people of all religions. Instead of trying to make the program comply with YOUR own religious beliefs (at the exclusion of others) why don't you just go with it and make your higher power who ever your belief tells you he/she sould be. It's ridiculous that you ask this question because the 12 step program is not your church and does not have any obligation to go by the rules of YOUR holy book. Appreciate the tolerant nature of the program Remember, they could have decided to moedl it against a religion that may not be yours eg quaran/hindu etc so tolerance benefits everybody

Answer 6

Most Christian churches are fine with that...and they will let 12 step programs use rooms in their churches for free or for a small fee...but I think the catholic church has some issues with 12 step programs for the reason you state..and i work at a rehab..and do not no of any catholic churches that house 12 step meetings..of course this goes for AA NA and CA..but their are other 12 step programs..some which are totally Christan based.

Answer 7

The 12 step program simply say "power greater than yourself." Period. Didn't say it had to be religious either. I knew a guy who used a "doorknob" as his greater power. Know why? He said it was what kept him from going out drinking, use the WRONG doorknob (higher power) and he'd be back where he started.......

Answer 8

Umm, what's your point, that someone out there that was trying to help people decided to help the ones that don't believe in the Christian conception of God and as such is going to hell?... It shouldn't have any real relevance other than for the people who formulated the 12 step program... Which were probably psychologists preforming in a professional capacity....

So psychologists are going to hell because they do their jobs and try to help people?...

Answer 9

...I was told by a Christian friend that AA tolerates other kinds of sin in their meetings, except alcohol use. AA is kind of flaky in some of its teachings, like this business about "God, as we understood Him". They should be looking to the only God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ - there is no other, and we should be witnessing for Christ.
...My friend recommended "Alcoholics Victorious", a group similar to AA, but with a definite Christian emphasis. Jesus and the Bible are honored in this program.

Answer 10

I've never heard of a 12 step program, but it doesn't sound right. I'm thinkin I could find a better program in scriptures.