Why is Alcoholics Anonymous so nonjudgmental & Christianity so judgmental? Why isn't Christianity like A.A.?

Question

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A.A. doesn't proselytize, but instead draws people in by attraction. (Granted, some judges require DWI offenders to attend.)

A.A. says "There but for the grace of God go I" when they see someone who's fallen off the wagon.

A.A. doesn't dictate behavior. It even welcomes non-believers.

A.A. has special programs for gay people, but gay people are welcome at every meeting.

A.A. sees each person's individual growth as paramount, not the finger-wagging often heard from the pulpit.

A.A. teaches humble acceptance of life on life's terms, not dictating to other people how they should behave.

And A.A. would never try to tell the government to outlaw alcohol.

What prevents the Christian Church from using this as a model of faith instead of the fire-and-brimstone approach?

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Answer 1

AA is built entirely on the principles of the Bible.....

P.S. It does "prosyletize"....bettter read step 12 again.

Answer 2

Congratulations, you have just asked the $64,000 question. (I've just dated myself, haven't I?)

Actually, some Christian churches are more like AA than you might think. If you have seen the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness," you know something of Glide Memorial (Methodist) Church in San Francisco. Rev. Cecil Williams runs that church, and appears in the movie personally. He's a great guy, and I was privileged to meet him when I lived in San Francisco.

In most places I have lived, I've known one or two Christian ministers or priests who were humans first, and they became my friends. This in spite of the fact that I am a witch. In fact, it was an Episcopal chaplain at the University of Michigan who was instrumental in my becoming a witch! We were discussing the fact that many women were becoming deacons in preparation for the time when the church would begin to ordain women. I said, "Then they will be priestesses," and he said no, that sounds too pagan. In my innocence I asked, "What's so bad about sounding pagan?" He replied that if I felt that way about it, I should go to California and become a pagan priestess.

So I did.

Answer 3

As a former Christian preacher i will easily say no. AA tells you you're powerless and the AA god can't heal you yet purely provide you a measly 'on a regular basis" Reprieve. Christianity is approximately skill Philippians 4:13 says i will do all issues by using Christ who strengthens me. In Christianity we end eating and sinning through fact we like God and Christ and that's annoying regardless of the undeniable fact that that's somebody we do as persons in obedience to Jesus and God. AA we can't do something through fact we are powerless and AA teaches we at the instant are not something yet scum and airborne dirt and dust and are unfavorable human beings the place in Christianity we are specific and have self nicely worth. massive extensive distinction. BB

Answer 4

Has A.A. not judged alcohol and alcoholism to be a problem??? A.A. is a self help tool. The Gospel is not.

A.A. DOES proselytize. Theyre always trying to get more members and people they think they can help.

A.A. DOES dictate behavior. It teaches not drink, remember?

Gay people are welcome at church as well, just not to be members or hold office.

Read the NT, spiritual growth is a must. Are you telling me they dont lecture anybody on the dangers of their addiction in A.A.? Are you kidding me?

A.A. teaches non-alcoholic behavior, wrong again.

We already tried that, its called prohibition and it didnt work. What churches are advocating the illegalization of alcohol? Or is that another fabrication of what you think churches are like?

You know nothing about our approach to faith in Jesus because you dont know Jesus or what the Scriptures teach. You need to get more educated in this area and need to learn critical thinking.

Answer 5

Once you go through a lifelong struggle and crisis with something that not only dominates your life, but actually can have alot to do with ending it, you learn quickly to empathize with others who you recognize to some extent are in a similar situation. By the way, I feel that this is not really across denominational lines about those who empathize and have compassion, and those who don't. I'm met many in the AA rooms who are very scared to even talk about their sexual life, let alone a gay one.

Answer 6

I'm a Christian, I'm not Christianity. I'm an American, I'm not America.

Some Christians may be judgmental, but in being so they face a stronger judgment. (Judge not lest ye be judged)

Jesus talks about the man who says "there but by the grace of God go I" as a selfish person - He speaks much more highly of the man who beats his chest and says "Forgive me, Lord, I am a sinner."

Answer 7

Christianity uses Gods Word, not mans. God does not tell us to water down the meaning of His words in order to make it more tolerable for the listener. We are to speak Gods Word exactly as He says it and we are to say it with Love and with Compassion. If you are offended because I say homosexuality is an "Abomination" take your complaint to Him, they are His Words. I am not commanded to preach acceptance of homosexuality. That is mans teachings, Not Gods.

Answer 8

hebrews 10:30
vengeonce is mine says the lord

christians arent supposed to judge but sometimes the flesh gets involved. a lot of times christians arent very good examples sry...just know the truth

Answer 9

I don't know what Christian church you have attended, but mine is loving, accepting, warm, non-judgemental, yet willing to give an honest answer. I think you need to look at some other churches. There are some out there that are what you describe.

Answer 10

AA doesn't dictate behavior? AA makes it a REQUIREMENT to completely surrender yourself to it, claiming that that is the only way to get better--I never heard of a disease that required surrender to cure.

Also, read the last step. Preaching's in there.