There's a lot of in-depth discussion about faith and God in Alcoholics Anonymous. Really, we almost wish we could gloss over the whole concept so as not to irritate a whole shit-ton of people. If there's one thing about A.A. that sticks in people's craw it's the idea of a higher power and that's why we bend over backwards to emphasize that this is a spiritual program, not a religious one.
Nonetheless, there's an entire chapter in the Big Book where we try to mollify and sweet-talk those of us who aren't inclined to accept religion. Some of us have had bad experiences in organized religion; most of us don't like to be told what to do; and there's a sizable contingent who rejects the whole idea of God.
To all y'alls we say: Rock On. Plenty of room in here for everyone. One caveat: this particular Twelve Step Program is based on the concept of a Higher Power. If this is totally objectionable we understand. We get it. If you want to try another way to get sober we're behind you 100%. Our doors will always be open. But if you're going to give Alcoholics Anonymous a shot you're probably going to find the sledding easier if you try to keep an open mind about some kind of Higher Power.
What follows is a selection of explaining and complaining and wheedling and dispensing opinions and theories for your perusal. Happy reading.
No man, we saw, could believe in God and defy him, too. Belief meant reliance, not defiance.
The first requirement is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success.
Knowledge was all-powerful. Intellect could conquer nature. Since we were brighter than most folks (so we thought) we could float above other people on our intellect alone.
In belaboring the sins of some religious people, we could feel superior to all of them. Moreover, we could avoid looking at some of our own shortcomings. This, of course, is the process by which instinct and logic always seek to bolster egotism, and so frustrated spiritual development.
Much to our relief, we discovered we did not need to consider another’s conception of God.
We saw them meet and transcend their other pains and trials. We saw them calmly accept impossible situations, seeking neither to run or recriminate. Belief meant reliance, not defiance.
How persistently we claim the right to decide all by ourselves just what we shall think and just how we shall act. We are certain that our intelligence, backed by willpower, can rightly control our inner lives and guarantee success in the world we live in. This philosophy of self-sufficiency is not paying off. Plainly enough, it is a bone-crushing juggernaut whose final achievement is ruin.
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