It is mandated by law (at least in my state) to go to AA meetings after an alcohol related charge. All of the AA meetings here are held in a church where they have to recite the "Serenity prayer"
Isn't this a violation of the seperation of church and state?
What can I do about it?
2007-05-19 04:33:42 · 25 answers · asked by Spookshow Baby 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Alright you holier than thou jerks. I never broke the law, I hardly drink, and I never do drugs.
I just happen to know the law in my state.
Thanks for jumping to conclusions.
2007-05-19 04:39:56 · update #1
You don't have to go in a church... AA is funded by its members... it pays the church to rent the room... that is where their relationship with the church ends.
It is not a religious program... but it can be spiritual for members who wish to view it that way.
There are now atheist and secular AA programs springing up all over the country.
Fundamentally, in order to adequately work the 12 step program you must define a "higher power" for yourself but it does not need to be a Christian God.
As far as AA being percieved as a "christian" program, that is because it was based on the Oxford groups which were largely Christian before prohibition... but I find the 12 steps themselves to be closer to Buddhist philosophy.
Each and every group is autonomous -- meaning that the individual groups make up their own rules and regulations and do not take orders from above...
If many AA groups say the "Our Father" prayer then that is just because those groups like it that way and have not challenged it yet... you can get involved and ask the meeting to say the serenity prayer which is a little more benign.
Bill W. was very specific about being all inclusive and staying separate from Churches, Businesses and Government.
The courts can order you to go to an AA meeting, but the AA meeting has no contact with the courts and should NEVER be monitored.
The "order to go to AA" is really voluntary... you are technically trying to show the courts that you are doing something on your own time to solve your problem... the meeting will sign a paper for you to show that you have been present at the meetings... but the meeting has no idea whether you are being honest with yourself and others.
The effectiveness of the program relies on VOLUNTARY participation. The Alcoholic or addict must be ready to change.
2007-05-19 07:03:59 · answer #1 · answered by rabble rouser 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well honestly, it comes down to a dollar and sense issue, as to why these meetings are offered at churches. The churches provide the space free as community service. If you are lucky in your area, you may also find AA meetings offered at a University or public school and could avoid the whole secular issue.
But AA is based on the 12 step program and highly doubtful you will get away from the "Serenity Prayer" even outside of a church setting. Ultimately, you have the CHOICE of participating in the prayer or not.
2007-05-19 11:44:52 · answer #2 · answered by Mona Lisa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The creator of AA was a Christian and used the bible and his beliefs in God as part of his 12 step program. Yes there are some meetings held in churches. Why? Because a church does not charge to use it's facilities for such things as AA. There are many other locations that AA has groups, not just churches, No one is forced to do anything in AA, it depends upon the person who is in AA of how they decide they want to recover.
2007-05-19 11:58:43 · answer #3 · answered by tebone0315 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
AA is not a religious organization. Just because they have them in churches doesn't mean that it is religious. They say the lord's prayer at the end, I never say it, I have my own thing I say. I am assuming you were sent there because of a DUI, you shouldn't be breaking the law. If you have a problem with alcohol it sounds like that is where you need to be. You are obviously missing the point. Don't go to meetings and don't do what the court says and see how far it gets you.
Quote-"What can I do about it? ", why would want to do something about it if you aren't the one that has to go?
2007-05-19 12:15:36 · answer #4 · answered by Nunyabusiness 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I live in NH (New Hampshire, incase you don't know :) ..)
I ve never used drugs or got caught drinking...(UGH I was a bad kid by the way and then grew up lol)
But, I know there's a organiztion separte from any religion that holds AA meetings. And my uncle did go to a Catholic church for his meetings. But what I think I am trying to explain to you is , there's a choice of where you can pick to go. It's not one set place. I hope I made sense? I haven't drank enough coffee yet!!!! lol
2007-05-19 12:06:03 · answer #5 · answered by SDC 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What state do you live in? I've NEVER lived in a state that mandates that you HAVE to attend AA meetings.. only some form of counseling and rehabilitation.. but AA is the only FREE form of this that I know so it is one of the options...
It could be worse.. Below I've posted links to some of the punishments that I found online.
2007-05-19 12:00:03 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Tom♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well actually I would think the law would be unconstitutional if challenged because it is forcing those from other belief systems to be subjected to one they are not a part of and do not believe in. I would think when stated to the judge they would have to find an alternative measure like driving school (which is what Connecticut does.. we don't send people to AA because it has a religious basis to it). I'd write a letter to the state rep or senator from your area expressing your views that the law needs to be altered because it infringes on religious freedom.
2007-05-19 11:54:35 · answer #7 · answered by genaddt 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Have you watched Penn and Teller's Bullsh**? On one of the shows, they address AA.
I think AA is a load of crock. All they are doing is just changing the drug of choice. You might be able to start some kind of lawsuit with all the other people who have the same feelings. That would take time and money, but someone's got to start it or else they'll always continue to try to force it down people's throats.
2007-05-19 15:55:10 · answer #8 · answered by kungfufighting66 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know. There must be some meetings not held in church.
I like the Serenity prayer but I don't think anyone should be forced to say it.
((((((Spookshow))))))
2007-05-19 11:42:52 · answer #9 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, its because AA was created as Christianity as a background. Perhaps you could find another program. I total think it is a violation of church/state but AA tends to be inclusive and lets you replace the "god" with word of your choice...Buddha, Allah, Mother Nature, self. Good Luck
2007-05-19 11:40:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋