are twelve step groups religious?

Question

also,what do they mean by a "higher power"do they mean
"God" or something else?
just curious to know

Answer 1

They do have religious 12 step programs, but not all are. A higher power is a term that has a personal definition.

If God is your central means of emotional support then God is your higher power.

Answer 2

I'm involved with Celebrate Recovery. It's in a lot of churches. If you are looking for a religious based 12 step group that's the best one I've found.

The others like AA for instance are very vague on the "higher power" thing and really do not acknowledge the real higher power. They really don't mean God when they say higher power. They keep it vague on purpose.

Celebrate Recovery is based on the 12 steps that are commonly know in addition to the beatitudes. But they acknowledge teh true higher power, God. The program was developed through Rick Warren's church over 15 years ago. The ministry has grown, so now there are several groups meeting in most major cities.

Answer 3

no!!
12 step groups in general are not religious
though christian 12 step groups are --of course
A.A. (1st ever 12 step group. cannot compel any of it,s members to do anything providing they are not disruptive.
the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. the 2 co-founders calledAA a benign anarchy
some choose AA its,self as a higher power, some believe in their inner self, some believe in a God( of their own understanding) finally some members believe in no higher power. all who want to attend AA meetings are welcome
even If they are not alcoholics. I stress no believe in anything is necessary
the 12 steps are borrowed from medicine,psychology& religion. there are millions of sober members worldwide.It works better than any other treatment for alcoholism or agency. cheers

Answer 4

They are far more spiritual than religious. And that higher power is whatever you accept it to be. It's just realizing that a power greater than yourself can restore you to sanity. I have experienced some of the most spiritual moments of my life and met some of the most honest people through 12 step meetings. Everybody could benefit from applying them in their life.

Answer 5

No, they are not religious but they do not discourage participation in religion outside of the group. If you find yourself in a 12 step group that quotes the bible or any other outside literature I would suggest finding another group.

The term "Higher Power" is referring to a power that is greater than yourself alone AND is available to you. It may or may not represent God for you. Many people consider the group their higher power.
In simple terms it is saying that I don't know what GOD is or even if GOD is, but I know it isnt me.

Answer 6

If you don't believe in a higher power, you can still go to AA and get a lot out of it, but, I don't know where people (especially those who are isolated and alone) find the strength and motivation without admitting there is a higher power.

Answer 7

Your "Higher Power" does not have to be God. It is a personal thing. I would have to say that 12 step groups are not religious, or based on religion. But, you have to admit that YOU are powerless.

Answer 8

Perhaps a better word would be 'spiritual' as opposed to religious... and 'higher power' means what ever it is you believe in that's greater than yourself. They don't use a name or title, just 'higher power' for political correctness.

Answer 9

Most will say they are not religious organizations, but do espouse belief in a "higher power." It's a generic term for God.

Answer 10

Yes. The "higher power" stuff is crap. How can believing that a "chair" is a higher power make you stop drinking?

I've read the chapters in the Big Book addressed to atheists and agnostics. They basically preach Pascal's wager. It's laughable.