Why do I care?
I'm trying to gain insight into the thinking and approach of a friend or two, but look, if you can't explain the "higher power" thing, just say so. You don't have to be such dicks about it. But, hey, it's your delusion and contraddiction. Not mine.
If you are going to get defensive, like most Christians do, when their beliefs are merely questioned, when someone asks you to provide a rational explanation of an important tool asserted to work, a tool that is mandatory you learn to use if you want to be part of the recovery CULTure that is supposed to help a human being deal with and overcome their addiction, there is something irrational and dishonest with either you or the belief system itself or both. I might have a skeptical approach when asking the question, but sincerely, how is this tool useful when owning your own shit? How can you both take responsibility for AND give it over to a higher power that could very well be, for all intents and purposes, a lug wrench? How can you take responsibility for your actions AND admit you are powerless to change those behaviors?
Is it OK to conclude that AA can assert they are not affiliated with any church or religious group because they ARE a religious group? I mean they chant, they gather in a circle, hold hands and pray (even if it is to ruby slipper), and reinforce through dogmatic repetition that you can't effect change in your own life unless you give it over to your higher power . . . your special edition copy of Pinapple Express on dvd.
Are these the same kinds of answers I would get from the drunks and addicts at a meeting should I drop in to ask these questions? Would there be such hostility and resentment?
