Is Alcoholics Anonymous a God thing?

Website design By BotEap.comAA seems mysterious to some people. There is a lot of curiosity and an equal amount of myth. Some think it’s a cult, some think it’s organized religion, some think it doesn’t work at all, and none of these things are true.

Website design By BotEap.comThe truth is that YES, the word “God” is used in all 12 steps and in AA approved literature. YES, people refer to God when they speak and share in meetings. And, YES, some members of Alcoholics Anonymous are churchgoers who believe in God. However, there is no requirement to be a Christian, Catholic, Buddhist or anything else.

Website design By BotEap.comThe label “God” has an understood implication of a higher being. In the same way that a friend might ask for a “Kleenex” when it might actually be Puffs. Or the way a friend will ask for “Chapstick” when it could be Blistex, Carmex, or Burt’s Bees. Everybody says “Chapstick,” and everybody knows what it means.

Website design By BotEap.comAlcoholics Anonymous is not a religious organization. It is a group of people who meet in a room, to share their experience, strength and hope. To help each other get sober, stay sober, and live a healthy life. It is a group based entirely on unity.

Website design By BotEap.comIt seems that people will use this religious disgust as an excuse to condemn AA. The truth is that people everywhere every day have different religious beliefs. Perhaps the most respected and successful business person has a different belief, does that mean that person cannot offer valuable professional advice? No. Should that person be ruled out from her personal knowledge and experience because she doesn’t go to church on Sundays? No.

Website design By BotEap.comThe fact is that the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. And getting sober and staying sober has nothing to do with church.