Organized religions and their members infuse spirituality into their worship practices and traditions. Twelve Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) differentiate themselves from organized religious movements by considering themselves purely “spiritual” programs. What is the difference?
The A.A. pamphlet, “Many Paths to Spirituality,” states “With sharing that reflects the boundless range of belief (and non-belief) among A.A. members — including Buddhism, Islam, Native American faith traditions, and atheism and agnosticism — this pamphlet shows how Alcoholics Anonymous is a spiritual organization, rather than a religious one.”
How do Twelve Step programs and their members separate spirituality and religion while incorporating the former into their programs? By creating an environment where no one viewpoint is held above others and everyone has the freedom to decide how to incorporate spirituality into their individual programs.
My journey from religion to spirituality
My parents were Catholic and raised me in that religion. I respect their beliefs but while I do consider Jesus Christ to be my lord and saviour, many of the traditions and beliefs of that religion differ from what ring true to me. I also am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict whose life was saved by A.A. a few years before my soul was saved as a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).
Because I was well acquainted with the concept of God growing up, I easily accepted the need for a “Higher Power” (God as I understand him) like the A.A. program suggests. Unlike the Christian religion, in which everyone believes in one triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), A.A. members are free to choose their own conception of a Higher Power.
I’ve known atheists and agnostics who chose their A.A. group, nature, even a door knob as a “Higher Power.” In that way, they put their belief in something outside of themselves—and each had a different concept.
My journey to spirituality began when I stopped believing that my efforts impacted my relationship with my Higher Power. Rather than trying to be “good” to be accepted, I realized that God already loves me completely. So I find ways to connect with God to increase our connection like I do with family, friends and coworkers.
Spirituality in A.A. is much more complex than connecting with a Higher Power. We see the way that the program developed and spread as being influenced by some force greater than the sum of the people who helped to launch and maintain it.
I am the same spiritual person whether I am in a Christian worship service or in an A.A. meeting. I’ve been able to incorporate both into my life, while keeping the line well defined between the practice of religion and the working of the A.A. program.
Do you see a difference between religion and spiritual programs like A.A.?
