ignorance about 12-step programs is so grating .......

[kwassa]

Ackk!!

I usually only lurk in here, but I just had to say something.

I am watching people spreading lies about 12-step in the Religion and Theology forum in a current thread on alcoholism and fundamentalism.

I've been in program actively and somewhat inactively since the late '80s, and it is hard to see people misconstruing completely what the program is about.

[Kajsa]

1. I just read that thread, kwassa.

It is astounding the amount of misinformation that is out
there regarding the program, a higher power of your understanding
and the 12 steps.

From what I read, the biggest misunderstanding is that turning one's life
over to a Higher Power is a sign of weakness.

We know the opposite to be true.

Those who misinterpret that also show a need to be in control of everything
in their lives.


Life doesn't work that way.

There are way too many variables.

I'm glad you joined us.

:-) :hi:

[kwassa]

2. thanks for the welcome

It does seem like home to me.

[Justpat]

3. Tell me about it!!

We have had some very exciting times here in the old A/R forum concerning the very same thing.


And welcome to this group.

[NMDemDist2]

4. I may have years in the this program......

but I'm still an alkie, so I'm off to look for the thread

:rofl:


:hi:

[Justpat]

5. Wait for me!!

:rofl:

[Kajsa]

7. You two crack me up!

:rofl:

[Justpat]

6. You and Varkam did a good job over there. eom

[Kajsa]

8. Yes they did!

And conscious evolution, one of us, was also there
doing a great job.

:thumbsup:

[NMDemDist2]

9. several good responders over there, and the usual suspects denigrating the 12 steps

but there is a point from the OP that is very true

IME (and only speaking my experience here) folks who look to fundy religion to 'cure' their drinking are miserable SOBs in general (our POTUS is a perfect example)

like it says in the BB

Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confession of shortcomings which the process requires for its successful consummation. But we saw that it really worked in others, and we had come to believe in the hopelessness and futility of life as we had been living it.

I think those who turn to a "Daddy" church are trying to avoid the "the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confession of shortcomings" part

just my opinion of course, your mileage may vary

[Kajsa]

10. Yep, it takes a lot of work, ongoing throughout

the years to get and stay sober.

I agree with you.

Working the steps is crucial in 12 step recovery.

My sponsor just called me from Oregon!
It's so good to remember just where I came from.

:D :hug:

[NMDemDist2]

11. how sweet of her!

I call the two guys who 12 stepped me on my anniversary every year to thank them

[Justpat]

14. Fundies of all stripes are looking for a new prison.

They are scared little people looking for someone or some dogma to be in charge of their life.

AA is meant to set you free. The purpose of AA is to restore you to wholeness and life.
Not taking a drink or a drug a day at a time does remarkable things.

[RetroLounge]

12. I see the usual haters are over there...

:eyes:

RL

[varkam]

13. I agree with you

It can get to me sometimes, as well. I think a lot of it has to do with peoples misconceptions from taking the steps at face value. People tend to have a lot of automatic assumptions when it comes to certain words like God or phrases like turn your life and will over. After being in recovery for a while, I definitely think that there is something there for everyone that wants it - regardless of whether or not you believe in a conventional God or not.

Welcome to A/R :pals:

[KitchenWitch]

15. Shall I pick up a torch and go beat up the monster?

:D

[Kajsa]

16. LOL!

:rofl: :hi:

[FloridaJudy]

17. Torches and pitchforks!

Not to mention the flaming brooms.