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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Religious overtones in AA
Post Info TOPIC: Religious overtones in AA
brandysnap


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Religious overtones in AA
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Or should I say Christian overtones, why do we need them?  We are told that AA has nothing to do with religion, we only have to find a Higher Power.  Then we find out that Higher Power is God (how it works).  We are also subjected to Christian prayers, some meetings insisting on the Catholic Lord's Prayer....why the need for this?  What's wrong with the more inclusive Serenity Prayer?
I know of people who are put of f AA by this as they don't want anything to do with religion or religious prayers or a Christian God.  I also know people who are of a different faith and feel they do not fit in.


By having these Christian references I feel AA is being exclusive.  Surely, if anything it should be inclusive and be working towards making everyone feel equal, all faiths and none.  As it stands this is not happening.  It's sad.



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louisa


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Hello brandysnap

re:
What's wrong with the more inclusive Serenity Prayer?

I was surprised to learn that the Lord's Prayer is used in meetings in the USA.  In England we always use/close with the Serenity Prayer. I have never come across a meeting where we use any other.

I think I may have been very uncomfortable and fearful with the use of the Lord's Prayer in a meeting.  Kind of contradicts the assertion of not being allied to any religion......

That said I was so desperate to get sober that I may have just gone along with it !!!! But I'm still not sure that makes its use right.confuse ...and I say this as a Christian!

Louisa xx

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Sober today thanks to the Miracle of AA
StPeteDean


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Hello brandy and welcome to the board. While I may agree with you on some points (the "lord's prayer" being Catholic is not one of them) keep in mind that saying the prayer at the end of the meeting is optional and the chairperson invites those that care to participate. "The only requirement in AA is a desire to stop drinking". Also All groups are autonomous, so each group can decide how to operate their meeting, meaning that AA, as an organization does not control what each group does. So finding fault with AA as a whole, over saying the lords prayer, at various individual meetings, is barking up the wrong tree. If you want to get in the politics of a particular meeting, join that meeting, show up for the group conscience meeting, and voice your opinion and try and sway the group to make a change, keeping in mind that it's a democracy on that level. You can also contact the AA world services office in NY and ask them about your concern. This board is Not AA, it's just a place where we discuss AA related topics.

Speaking of group conscience, we, as a group here, have decided, in a group conscience meeting, that subjects that criticize AA, aren't in keeping with the general purpose of this board, which is to discuss staying sober, working the steps, engaging in sponsorship, recovery, and general fellowship. You are welcome to join us and we look forward to getting to know you.


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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Religious overtones in AA