Why no atheist 12 step programs? Redux

[Larry J]

There was a thread from 2012 that is closed but that I wanted to respond to. The question was asked "Why are there no atheist twelve step programs?" The answer would seem simple, since the first step is to acknowledge a "higher power." However, I attend a Unitarian Universalist church which welcomes all people of any (or NO) religious belief. We have recently started sponsoring and providing a meeting place for an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. I'm not sure how they get around that first step, but thought I would pass along that tidbit of information. ( I consider myself an agnostic, not an atheist, but feel quite at home around atheists).

 

[Captain Pegleg]

There is! Atheism is a lack of belief in a deity, simple as that. A higher power does not have to be a deity. Any non-religious program can be "for atheists."

As an AA member as well as atheist, I will say that the author(s) of the Big Book were a little confused about what atheism is (see above definition hehe) - either that, or I'm the one confused. But I don't think so.

The Higher Power must be one that is greater than myself. As an atheist, I certainly do not think that I am god, and with the option for god to be "of my understanding," I can undertand it to be a non-deity.

 

[Jimi D.]

In my recovery, I used the Universe as my higher power. I then realized how small and powerless I actually was with my addictions. AA and treatment saved my life.

 

[Noble Gas]

It depends on the area, I think. I attended atheist NA meetings for a while (this was 20 years ago, but I'm sure they have them now if you look). The thing is, if you don't find a meeting that suits you, you can always start one yourself.
My higher power, by the way, was Frank Zappa. I always admired him for his musical genius, as well as being so totally out there without chemical refreshment.

 

[r77r7r]

Definitely some non-Christian AA/NA out there, and on the web. I think the main idea is to stop having yourself as the center. Changes everything in recovery.

I was a loner before, now I feel a part of everything and everyone.

 

[Captain Pegleg]

Definitely some non-Christian AA/NA out there, and on the web. I think the main idea is to stop having yourself as the center. Changes everything in recovery.

I was a loner before, now I feel a part of everything and everyone.

I've never heard of Christian AA or NA, only other programs similar like Celebrate Recovery etc...