Is AA a Christian organization?

Comment

Comment by Friend_of_Bill_W on September 5, 2010 at 1:46am

Thank God it isn't Christian! - I mAAy not have mAAde it!!
(I was "raised" Christian)
I have major problems with what I believe to be the Christian belief - that the only way to heaven is through Jesus! Does that mean that the majority of the population is going to hell??
(I do like Joel Osteen though . . . )

I HAD TO HAVE GOD'S HELP

Comment by Old george on August 17, 2010 at 7:16pm

I'm inclined to think not.....The word "Christian" denotes/refers to the historical figure Jesus Christ. Who, by the way, would be just a small footnote in history had it not been for the Roman Emperor Constantine taking up the Christian standard. No where in any of our (AA) literature does it mention Jesus, mohamad, Buddha or any other "religious" founder or leader. My feeling on AA's approach to this is that they (the founders) were extremely sensitive to how people may feel about it, and so, refer simply to a "higher power" or a "God of our own understanding". Very intuitive on their parts. Also their suggestion that we avoid controversy and "power driven arguments" is another very thoughtful and sensitive idea. It helps us alcoholics stay in today and live in peace with those around us. If there was a religion that truly embraced all peoples...it wouldvery much resemble AA methinks.

Comment by Sara VP on August 9, 2010 at 8:15pm

I am not a Christian, although I follow the teachings of love and giving. I think the AA program was based on religious and spiritual (and ancient) tenants, but I also think Bill & Bob were divinely inspired when they left it to each member to find a Higher Power that works for them.

Sometimes language makes things seem rigid (i.e. You will have a God and you will worship in a certain fashion). I avoid people who are AA fanatics regarding the God stuff. The program is all inclusive, the steps work on every problem I've ever had, and a quest for a power greater than myself has been more rewarding than I could ever have imagined!

I sometimes don't use the word "God" when I share my spiritual journey, but that's a hold-over from my early days when I refused to say God because I didn't want you thinking my God was anything like yours. LOL! The program has allowed me such freedom!!! I can talk to anyone about spiritual principles in whatever language. I have tolerance for what others believe. I join hands for the closing prayer. While our group usually closes with the Serenity Prayer, I have not problem meditating quietly when someone chooses to close with the Lord's Prayer. What others do is none of my business.

Comment by Dan S. on August 7, 2010 at 3:19pm

Interesting Topic, I am also a Non Christian, I had little acceptance for religious practices and such but was willing to accept the spirituality of A.A.. I was bankrupt, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and blown away by this program and the fellowship. Has this been a religious or christian program, I would not have accepted it, and most probably would have been dead a long time ago, so I am especially grateful that the founders set this up to be un-affiliated with organized religions. Prior to sobriety I had thought that the spiritual ways that I had wanted to understand and embrace were gone, that the ways of my ancestors had been forgotten. I was amazed and brought to tears when I found that the spiritual and ceremonial leaders, were not all gone, they were all in A.A. I have been blessed to be able to learn and embrace the spirituality of my ancestors, and that it works hand in hand with the spirituality that is in A.A. We have many "specialty" meetings that are listed as Native American where we use our prayers instead of the ones which are from christianity or such. Today, by working my program and applying tolerance, acceptance, and unconditional love I do not run or grit my teeth or clench my fist when I hear those christian or catholic prayers, I am at peace with myself and my ways, so I must accept other peoples and their ways.

Comment by Robert H on August 7, 2010 at 2:32pm

Well am of those non-Christians and of those to does stay silent although I do hold hands. I do that not because I object to the lord’s prayer but rather to be the example for those who might.
The whole church thing doesn’t appeal me but it doesn’t bother at all when people are talking about there god who’s name is Jesus as long as they are not telling me he is my understanding of god,
One more thing about church, I once heard a speaker say his sponsor told his that he might want to back to the church of your childhood and leave for a good reason…..interesting thought…J