Christians and AA. What about this question. The below is a paper compiled from a number of sources some years ago for the purpose of making possible an informed answer to that question. Originally done as a ministry resource to be used as a handout for a Christian 'Bible-Based' drug and alcohol ministry. Basically a bible study. It was named 'Leave It At The Cross'. Many coming through the doors had been involved with AA, but had no knowledge of the AA organization itself. The paper below was put together to address that issue. A number of sources were utilized to gather the needed information to provide some background on the origination of AA along with a general overview. The result is entirely a compilation of quotations from the various sources, arranged under subtitles, with added scripture verses. Posted here in original form.
"Bill felt it would be unwise for AA as a fellowship to have an allegiance to any one religious sect. He felt AA’s usefulness was worldwide, and contained spiritual principles that members of any and every religion could accept, including the Eastern religions"
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CHRISTIANS AND AA? WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS...?
Come one.....come all
Without a doubt, the most widely recommended "therapy" for people struggling with life (including various forms of "addictions," many "mental illnesses." and conditions such as "codependency") is a recovery group that employs a Twelve-Step program. The original Twelve-Step recovery group is, of course, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) which was founded in 1935. Today there are thousands of recovery groups modeled after AA. Over the years the "Christian" psychiatrists Frank Minirth and Paul Meier have specifically placed their stamp of approval on the Narcotics Anonymous, Codependents Anonymous, National Association for Children of Alcoholics, Overcomers Outreach, Overeaters Anonymous, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Incest Survivors Anonymous, Adult Children Anonymous, Al-Atot, Alcoholics Victorious, Bulimics/Anorexics Anonymous, Child Abusers Anonymous, Codependents of Sex Addicts, Fundamentalists Anonymous, Parents Anonymous, Pills Anonymous, Sex Addicts 'Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, Sex and Love Anonymous, Shoplifters Anonymous, Smokers Anonymous, Spenders Anonymous, Victims of Incest Can emerge, and Workaholic Anonymous. [2]
"In the beginning"....Bill.....
The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, originally written by Bill Wilson, came from his own personal experience and world view. Step One, "We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable," expresses the relief he experienced when his doctor convinced him that his heavy drinking was caused by an "allergy" over which he was powerless. Thus, when Wilson completed his drying out treatment, he thought his problem was solved. He had been relieved of guilt for moral failure and had been diagnosed as having a disease. The cure was simple. Just don't take another drink. Nevertheless, his confidence in his newly found sobriety did not last long. In spite of his belief that his excessive drinking was not his fault, but rather due to an "allergy", Wilson felt doomed. [1]