Alcoholics Anonymous
Is A Religion!
[unsigned]
From:
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Tuesday, August 01, 2000 8:17 PM
AA is a Religion!
Go to a meeting.
The meeting is called to order with a "Quiet Time".
Next, in unison, the members pray "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Next a reading from the Daily Meditations (a book published by the Hazeldon Foundation, a Catholic Foundation, if I am correct.)
Next, a reading of "How It Works", from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is as close to the Nicean Crede in content of dogma as I have ever come across.
Next, a sermon -- this may entail the horror story of the penitent before he saw the light of AA or it may entail a topic of discussion regarding the Big Book (AA bible) or it may have to do with the struggles that a member is encountering in his path for "sobriety".
When this is done, comments are allowed one by one from the members attending with no "cross-talk"
All comments are directed to the miracles of AA and the Steps and all critical thinking is frowned upon, lest one be considered a "dry-drunk", or in denial, or lacking a "Program", or not working a particular Step.
When this is completed, a basket is passed for donations -- of which some of the money goes to paying for the rent and supplies ( coffee, books, etc) for the evening, and some goes to the New York Headquarters to be spent as it sees fit. (Missionary work)
The meeting is brought to an end with any "burning desires" a member may have to speak about a devastating problem and then ended with a reading of "What is heard here, stays here, etc, and all bow their heads for the "Lord's Prayer".
Hey, I'm not stupid, I've been to more churches than I can remember and I know religion when I see it.
AA is what it is -- so call it that, a religion and be done with it.
There are people who commit crimes in this country, drivng while intoxicated, who are sent to a religious group for rehabilitation or punishment and this is against the Constitution of the United States.
Would a bank robber be sent to the local Baptist, Catholic, etc., church for rehabilitation and puishment?
I rest my case.
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