No AA group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate AA, express any opinion on outside controversial issues--particularily those of politics, alcohol reform or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous Groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever. 10th tradition Long Form
First and foremost, I am a member of AA. I have a belief in a program which healed me bodily, mentally and spiritually. I must be cautious about ever pushing my spiritual beliefs on anyone that does not believe the way that I do. I am concerned about the newcomer who may have no belief at all...because I was once in the same shoes.
So what are we guys...are we an AA group? If so, we need to adhere to the traditions of AA.
. I must be cautious about ever pushing my spiritual beliefs on anyone that does not believe the way that I do.
Very True, Cheri. But My beliefs are my AA foundation. I would never "push" them off on anyone. I hope there's enough intelligence (for lack of a better word) out there, to realize that when I speak of God or spirituality, I am only speaking of how it pertains to ME. In f2f's I rarely add, "of my understanding" after God, because I believe (think) they all know what I mean. We all do it. Having to be "PC" all the time is ludicrous. However, I try to remember to add that "clause" when there are newcomers. On the other hand, I'm a newcomer too and had a little trouble wrapping my brain around a concept not so long ago......... Hmmmmm, you have given me much to ponder today......
Love you girlfriend
Doll
-- Edited by Doll at 09:19, 2005-09-25
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* We eventually realize that just as the pains of alcoholism had to come before sobriety, emotional turmoil comes before serenity. *
I'm pretty unlikely to have anyone upset me if they come on strong with any radical, dogmatic, or fanatical religious concepts. I got all the schooling from my surprisingly openminded minister dad, plus, took some classes on religious philosophies of the world in college.
I think it is kinda sad that we have radically opposed religious doctrines among the 3 mono-theistic religions of the world. After all, they all purport to be based on the "God" who "spoke" to this paternal figure to all supposed descendants. Some called him Abraham, some Abrim. Funny thing is that they are all at odds with each other, and with the rest of the world. Some of them are to the point of deciding that their "God"/ "Yaweh", "Alla" is telling them that they should be intolerant of each other to the point of anihilation of their supposed "enemies".
A good point to also remember, is that AA is world wide! If we start thinking we have to convert all the Buddhists, Hindus, Taoists, Moslems, ad infinitem, in order to "save" them with the AA message, we are doing it a disservice. Also, as I said, I have read the Bible, my dad was a minister, I have studied "World Religions" in college. If we start preaching intolerance as a "Christian" concept, the first one we are going to be dissapointing is the very Jesus "the Christ", that we purport to believe in. He was about love thy neighbor, and about tolerance. I'm talking about the words of the man, regardless as I have said, AGAIN, whether I do or do not accept Christianity as my "religion". I hope you "Thumpers" out there have read such parables as the "good Samaritan".
Love, caring, and understanding from Dakota-billy to Canuk (Eh, Phil?) to Cabbages and Englishmen (bloody right, Chris?), to people who have logged on from Greece, to my friends Chintan in India, and Moussa in Senigal. For the sake of the "God of our understanding", and for mankind, I pray that we all get the message!
Ok, everybody out there, I hope also that you can find it in your AA hearts to forgive the rant.
Peace on Dudes! from the aging, hippie, Dakotabilly alcoholic Dan,
from the aging, hippie, Dakotabilly alcoholic Dan,