What is the difference, between the GOD of the BIBLE and the GOD of the 12 step progr

[Hi Hopes]

Moderaters, please move, "if" in the wrong place!

I have a sister, who goes to A.A.
They daily are reading from some book, (never the bible) to recieve spiritual help daily, to quit drinking.
I had given her a BIBLE 15 years ago, of which she has never opened.
Yet, she never wants to talk about JESUS!
Rather she allways has her daily readings, for GODS help to make it thru the day without drinking.
She has been "dry" now, for over 2 years.
But I think it has a lot to do with her comradeship with the others, that she needed. Since she got a divorice at the same time and I "think" was court ordered to attend A.A.

I just wonder about their GOD vs the GOD of the BIBLE?
They never mention salvation, or intrest in the BIBLE!
She allways had me read, her "spiritual" reading for the day and she was impressed or was trying to impress me at how "spiritual" she has become.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS PLEASE!
THANK-YOU
:confused :confused

[Jennie in TO]

This website may answer many of your questions http://www.a-1associates.com/AA/Lets_ask_Bill.htm and specifically this page http://www.a-1associates.com/AA/wilsons_talk_to_the_clergy.htm

I also found this little quote which may also answer your question:

If these misgivings had real substance, they would be serious indeed. But, Alcoholics Anonymous cannot in the least be regarded as a new religion. Our Twelve Steps have no theological content, except that which speaks of "God as we understand Him." This means that each individual AA member may define God according to whatever faith or creed he may have. Therefore there isn't the slightest interference with the religious views of any of our membership. The rest of the Twelve Steps define moral attitudes and helpful practices, all of them precisely Christian in character. Therefore, as far as the steps go, the steps are good Christianity, indeed they are good Catholicism, something which Catholic writers have affirmed more than once.


Hope that helps you answer your questions.

Edited to change that second link because it was wrong.

[Hi Hopes]

But I still do not know where to find the answer, I was looking for!:confused :doh

[CAT]

The difference between their God and the real God is Jesus.
According to God's word- no one can come to the Father unless they come through the son
And anyone who tries to get through another way is a thief.

Their God is what they made him
Our God is the one who made us.

Just mho
CAT

[Hi Hopes]

For we know even satan, can appear as an angel of light.
I just don't know, why the hunger to study, GODS word, is just NOT THERE!

[BlackMoon]

A.A. is not a religion but more of a philosophy. Members of A.A. admit that there is nothing that they can do to control their drinking. That is where their "higher power" comes in. They admit that this higher power can help them.


Here is the trick, The are Christian A.A. members that use Jesus as their higher power. Sadly, there are many folks in A.A. that has an agnostic view.

My point? A.A. is not a bad thing as long as you are focused on Christ.


BlackMoon

[JFaron]

AA flat out states that they cannot get you into heaven. It's not about getting saved nor does AA take any position whatsoever on any religion. The only thing AA focuses on is sobriety. AA is definitely not against Christ and I don't think Christ would condemn them, although God the Father would not give them a free pass either. You still have to get Jesus to get saved!!!

[toadster]

12 step programs were founded on CHristian principles...but of course has been since way way way watered down.

The church I go to is doing the 12 steps of spiritual growth. Going threw the 1 step every week of the 12 steps,, but with a Christian perspective and how it relates to everyday life.

If you want their website to check it out, please PM me

[halfpint]

I was in a 12 step program and I'll tell you what it is....and it was put to us at the center in these exact words,
"Whatever you place your hope in, be it that chair over there, be it God, Jesus, your mom, your dad, your dog, whatever you consider your higher power, use it, call on it when you feel you're falling"....
I remember that specifically because I never met anyone that didn't believe in God or Jesus.:freaked

[John Free]

I think most 12-Steppers have a relationship with God...and no not all in recovery are evangelicals....(please note) its the same demographics as the rest of the world....but to think in black and white terms and call whatever people in recovery utilize as "their god"...is a distortion of what the steps are all about. And frankly Naive at the least.

I personally believe that God has ordained the 12-Steps and I firmly believe that this system is not only scriptural but it works at a far more effective rate than any other system. I've seen many many christians go forward for prayer...again and again for some compulsive/addictive issue....and not find resolution till they enter a 12-Step Based Program....and come face to face with their denial.

On the other hand I have seen many evangelical churches utilize the steps with Christ as our higher Power and have seen amazing results.

Additionally, the 12-steps is the same today as it was when Bill W. penned the "Big Book". Yes New Agers have embraced the steps....but there are still many Christians who have found recovery and are working a program today.

Lets be careful about refering to "them and their God"..... Christ is MY Higher Power.

The essense of the Steps is learning to be honest and accountable and to find and change those "stinking thinking" issues. We learn a new way to cope with life while learning to ask God for His Healing and Wisdom while living in the present one day at a time.

You bring with you into the program whatever belief system you have...no one evangelizes anyone on who God is....that's your personal responsibility.


John

[rolling stone]

AA suggests you use a higher power of your own understanding.


If that happens to be God--that's fine. The idea is to admit to yourself you can't do it alone & need help.

Unfortunately--agnostics & atheists will sometimes use a lack of belief in God as an excuse to continue using. Of course people who do believe in God, will simply find other excuses if they're not sincere about stopping.

I think if someone is sincere about stopping though they'll find a way.

I simply used the group as a higher power. It was a group of people who'd experienced much of what I was going through and had learned how to live without drugs & alcohol. They were also more than willing to spend their time helping me out.

I've been clean & sober for almost 10 years now. I owe much to a small group of drunks & addicts that were willing & able to help me out...................

[Hi Hopes]

I do thank-you all for your replys and understanding!:wave

[KateCanada]

Originally posted by Hi Hopes
But I still do not know where to find the answer, I was looking for!:confused :doh

My mother went to AA and I learned alot. In AA they say a power bigger then ones self what ever that means to each individual. So to me, I would think AA does'nt promote any God.