We are in America at last. The Lord has sent us into the strangest belief system. The men and women here seem impervious to the Gospel, but the Lord has given us great love for them.
This religion teaches that virtually anything can be defined as a god. During their meetings these people gather and pray in unity, but the “god” each individual prays to can be as varied and unique as particles of sand in our African desert. It is unsettling watching them join in the Lord’s Prayer, because most do not know Jesus, and therefore cannot know the Father.
This religion was founded here in America in the 1930s. It is a very American system of belief and worship. Very democratic, one might say. In this belief system, it is not important what one worships, only that one must worship something. In fact, initiates who come seeking help, but who have trouble inventing or envisioning a god, are often told they can worship a “doorknob,” or even the group itself to begin their spiritual journey.
The first time we heard this we thought it was a joke—some form of esoteric humor. But it is not. It truly is not. We have heard the “doorknob-deity” speech a number of times now. It apparently serves as their starter-god. Like the training wheels on a bike—only there until the child is ready for the next big step. Believe in something, newcomers are told; believe in anything; just believe.
We have been documenting the various deities the members describe as their gods. One worships nature; another an unseen force; several pray to the universe, others to diverse spiritual entities. Some claim to worship the divinity in man. A woman in this sect recently proclaimed we are all part of God! We pray hard for her.
In this sect one can also find Mormons, non-Christian deists, Wiccans (modern day witches, very popular in America), and many who follow heretical versions of Jesus Christ. There is simply no limit to the gods that can be revered in this belief system. Here it doesn’t matter whether the god you worship is an ant—or an avalanche—or an avocado.
It has been ferocious spiritual warfare. Mama and Papa, we are tired. This mission field…it is like living, not in a Christian nation, but in the pages of the Old Testament. This seems virtually the same to us as Jeremiah 2:27. These are people, “Who say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me, and not their face.’”
We fear most of these people will go to their deaths rejecting Jesus Christ. Our daily prayer is that the Lord will bring other missionaries to share the gospel with them. Here is where it gets complicated, for in the midst of this paganism, some that worship the Jesus of the Bible are also present!
There are Baptists, Presbyterians, Pentecostals and Lutherans. Sadly, most haven’t come to share the gospel. They are not here to testify. They are here as participants of this multi-god religion. These saints attend their churches, acknowledge the Bible as the Word of God, but nevertheless belong to this undeniably anti-Biblical religion.
This made us angry at first. But the Lord has begun to reveal how deceptive and seductive this religion is. So seductive, in fact, that these Christians don’t believe this to be a religion at all. They believe this to be a “spiritual program,” a distinction that has no validity. In their minds this simple phrase, “spiritual program,” allows them to attend these meetings, despite what their Bible proclaims.
They have turned to this belief system because it promises freedom from the bondage of sin they were (or are) trapped in. Mama and Papa, they come to this religion to free themselves from alcohol!
It is hard to understand. Somehow they have learned to come here rather than submitting to Jesus and seeking help within Bible believing churches. What about prayer meetings? What about Bible study? What about falling on one’s face before a holy, all-powerful, compassionate Christ?
These Christians believe only through attending this all-gods religion can they be free. But it is a strange sort of “free,” because they have to attend these meetings for life. In fairness, they have been encouraged to participate by their own pastors, family members, and by other Christians who already attend. For seventy years Christians have been part of this movement.
In their churches on Sunday they call God by that Name above all names: Jesus Christ the Savior. But here, in their all-gods sect, they call Jesus by the term all members use for their various gods. So Jesus becomes a “higher power.” Thus has the Savior been placed in the pantheon, the temple of the gods.
In addition to this, when Jesus is mentioned (which is rare), the pagan people in this movement often get upset. Responses have included anger, sarcasm, and a general unease. The enemy is very active in this place.
It is obviously an anti-Biblical belief system, yet Christian after Christian has testified how wonderful this spiritual organization is. On the positive side, it has been encouraging to see Christians occasionally seek out non-believers after the meetings and invite them to church—but, as for boldness in the actual meetings, there is little of it.
Members carry around this religion’s “bible,” which they call the Big Book. There are actually Christians here who read it more frequently than the Word of God. You will have difficulty believing what we are now going to tell you. A Christian man who belongs to this all-gods religion invited us to attend church with him last Sunday. Badly needing fellowship with believers, we gladly accepted.
The service was wonderful. The Word was preached. Right after church our friend asked if we wanted to go back to the all-gods sect (he of course does not call it that.) We agreed, knowing the Lord would have us pray or proclaim the Gospel, or come alongside one of these lost and hurting souls.
Mama and Papa, the all-gods meeting was held right in his church after service. His pastor has allowed this! Since when does a pastor open the House of God to a non-Christian religion? Yet here in America, it seems a common practice. In America it is very important to be “nice.” The Bible does tell us to be kind and loving—but also holy. Holiness, it seems, has been lost here.
In Deuteronomy 16:21 our Lord is commands: “You shall not plant for yourself an Asherah of any kind of tree beside the altar of the Lord your God, which you shall make up yourself. You shall not set up for yourself a sacred pillar which the Lord your God hates.”
The Lord does not want false gods worshiped alongside Him. But because the reality of a Holy God seems obscure to these Americans, they think nothing of planting an all-gods belief system right in the Sanctuary. Pray for Fear of the Lord among these people.
Last week we had an exchange with a Christian woman after her all-gods sect had finished meeting. We asked her point blank how she could Biblically justify belonging to this movement. We asked her to read Galatians 1:6-8 to us:
“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!”
Does this not concern you, we asked, that Christians are sending people into a religion where Christ is but one god among many? Is not Paul’s warning clear?
She rolled her eyes. “This is a spiritual program, not a religion.”
Clearly the enemy uses this all-gods movement to dull Christians down, and to point the unsaved anywhere but Christ. This strategy has been marvelously effective.
Please pray that our Lord raise up other missionaries to send to these people in Alcoholics Anonymous. There are so many lost people here. This hurts to say, butmany of the Christians, who love this all-gods sect, need missionaries almost as badly as the unsaved.
Disclaimer: Worldview Weekend, Christian Worldview Network and its columnists do not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the feedback button.
The Healthy Comments Pro and Con in the Missionary Article
Posted On: 07/24/08 09:02:16 PM
Age 83, HI
Just a few comments from one who has devoted 19 years to researching and publishing on the Biblical roots and history of early A.A. While some of the comments are hot and heavy here, they get to the heart of one major issue: Can Christians be comfortable in present-day A.A. And the answer for me, at least, is YES. A.A. meeting talk and literature are filled with "higher power," "spirituality," and "not-god" chatter. And it's hard for the newcomer to differentiate between the Creator and a light bulb. The only answer I know comes from our history and the lack of A.A. police. I value A.A. highly. I am a strong believer in God, the accomplishments of Jesus Christ, and the truth of the Word. Lots don't like to hear that in America or in A.A. today. But nobody prevents me from helping newcomers, enjoying A.A. friends, and being thankful that, but for A.A., I'd probably never have quit. But let someone take away God, Christ, and my Bible; and they'd have a tussle. Click here to reply to this post
Question
Posted On: 06/02/08 07:06:53 AM
Age 51, FL
Have you done the research that shows how many people AA brings to Christ Jesus? I think the attack on AA is shallow and short-sighted. AA changed my life and sent me directly to the word of God and Jesus Christ.
Do the research! Click here to reply to this post
Okay To Be In Mormon Church, too?
Posted On: 06/02/08 01:37:19 PM
Age 54, OR
If God in His mercy brings a Mormon, Unitarian, or Muslim to Christ in their services, doe s that mean we can worshop there too?
Of course not.
2 Corinthians 6:14-17. Galatians 1:6-9. Isaiah 46:5-9.
Many of us are in bondage to AA and the 12 Steps, which may very well be precursors to the One World Religion.
I know it's hard. And thank God for those He has brought to Himself in AA. But, let's obey the Bible. If we do that, He will do the rest... Click here to reply to this post
The banquet in the grave (Proverb 9:13-18) tasted so good. There is a form of godliness for the main course and spiritual principles for desert, whom can argue with such a meal. The camaraderie at the AA meetings was much healthier (warm and fuzzy and tickled my ears) than those in the taverns or dope houses. And I did improve my moral walk, I worked the 12 steps, arrested my disease, and was making progress albeit not perfection. I believed that the god of consensus at the meetings was loving, forgiving and greater than myself.
I heard John Lanagan and others like him at our meetings. But the spirituality that I had was working for me and my life had gotten better. I didn't dare give up what was working, for religion. Wasn't there really fruit on my tree? Didn't God's grace apply to me as well?
On the day I died, I met a Just Judge. He said that I had sinned in my life and that was a violation of His law. I was guilty, but I showed him my AA tokens and NA key tags. He said that He was pleased to hear that I had given up that particular offense against Him, but that I still had to face justice for being a law breaker. I appealed to His loving and merciful nature, but he assured me that He was Holy in His justice and wrath as well. He told me that He had sent His children to tell me of His Son Jesus Christ who would have been the atonement for my transgression against His law if only I would have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. I was assured that I couldn't work the steps to get into His kingdom…
Mama and Papa why didn't you tell me the truth? Click here to reply to this post
Let's Not Get Confused
Posted On: 06/18/08 03:24:28 PM
Age 62, VA
One does not work the 12 steps to get into God's Kingdom. One works the steps to stay sober. Getting into God's Kingdom is a different issue. This is a simple concept and I do not see how a rational person can keep getting it confused. Look at it this way: people work at jobs so they can take care of the material needs of themselves and their families; they also go to church to help themselves stay on the spiritual path. Working at a job for material needs is not the same as working at staying on the spiritual path. Now, substitute the idea of working at the 12 steps (i.e., working at staying sober) for the idea of working for material needs - and leave in the part about working at staying on the spiritual path. Now, you have got it! Click here to reply to this post
The call of the church
Posted On: 05/29/08 09:00:05 PM
Age 49, MI
We know that sin makes us slaves to sin (in bondage or addicted to it). The Word of God is clear that drunkenness is a sin (1 Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 5:21). Unfortunately, for the most part men and women of God send these problems out for the world to take care of. As Christians we are to preach the gospel and "to make disciples". Making disciples is where the church got lazy. When the desire to sin (get drunk/high, sexual immorality, etc) is conceived, the obsession to commit this sin again doesn't go away easily. Self-help programs do what many in the church don't want to do. They meet regularly (daily), get phone numbers from one another, and sponsors (mentors) to help through difficult times and to help others as well. How many churches do you know that are open daily, how many people in the church are willing to take phone calls at anytime to help a person struggling with temptation, or do one on one discipleship?
I am a person the Lord delivered from the bondage heroin in 1986. I council others in a treatment program and am thoroughly familiar with 12 programs. I pastor a church (http://www.therecoverychurch.com/) that is open 7 days a week with members always available to help others. It saddens me when someone comes to us for help from another community and we cannot find a church where they are returning to engage them with that have meetings and services all week long.
The church does have the solution. It has the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ is sufficient as He enable the body to do the work of helping others. We fellowship around Jesus Christ, not sin. Yet, to often in the church we become so spiritually minded that we are no earthly good. Sin is real and people do struggle. Once I was invited to host a biblical counseling program in a large church to help those struggling with alcohol and other drug problems. No one ever showed up. The pastor of the church was bewildered because he knew that there were people in the congregation that struggled with this sin. 12 step folks got that part right, their first step "admits" that they have a problem. Too many in the church want to appear well. Positionally in Christ we are saints and we are the righteousness of God in Christ, but practically we are working out our salvation. Practically we are exercising ourselves toward godliness, but practically we aren't there yet either. And for those that are hindered by specific sins while they are exercising themselves toward holiness, they need the support (encouragement, admonition, etc.) of the spiritually mature in the church. Let's face it, we all do.
Here are some suggestions if you want to do missionary work in this area (and it is a huge missions field);
Find some members of your church that have been delivered from this particular sin and allow them to open the church for support meetings. Take heed to 2 Cor 1:3-4; Gal.6:1-10
Open the meeting with a scripture to discuss and allow some time for personal discussion if someone is struggling. Always allow the Word of God to be the answer to the problem, but never forget that the love of God shed abroad in your heart speaks volumes as well.
I absolutely agree with the John Lanagan and this article. It is where my heart is and has been for quite some time now. But judgment has to begin in the house of the Lord first. We have to be prepared and equipped to effectively minister to those that he is talking about. Click here to reply to this post
Let's do something, not just chat about the problem
Posted On: 07/31/08 02:47:12 PM
Age 52, OR
I invite every good Christian to do something about our problem with the AA folks. Take someone in to your home, I did, and it has been the greatest reward to watch this mom and her formerly abandoned children grow as a family, with our extended family, and for mom, to grow as a Christian and a woman. I have a 3 bedroom home that houses eight of us. I use to be a clean freak, depressed, lonely, and wondering why I was so bored. I am none of those things now. I love my extended family, and mom has been clean from her drug use for over a year now. Praise the Lord!
The early church met together daily, lived together, ate together, and grew! Our isolation from each other is a major factor in many Christians that slide into the drug, alchol, and porn filled world. Love and accountability is sadly and desperately needed to stop the deadly forces of the sin disease.
Let's do more than sit on a pew....
Thank you John for your truth that is biblically focused!
cheryl Click here to reply to this post
THE CHURCH
Posted On: 05/31/08 07:27:02 AM
Age 64, OH
The church as you have experienced has failed the alcoholic. But the deeper issue is that it has failed to show everyone that they are a sinner and are addicted to sin just as the alcoholic. The church has failed the sinner. Lou Click here to reply to this post
The Early A.A. reliance on the Creator and decisions for Christ
Posted On: 05/29/08 02:06:52 PM
Age 83, HI
One has to understand the role of the Adversary to understand fully how higher powers that are Coke bottles, radiators, "Something," "Somebody," a door knob, a light bulb, "it" ever attained ascendancy in a fellowship that began as a Christian Fellowship, an insistence on belief in Almighty God, and accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour. "Be sober, be vigilant..."
"Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil...." In my various titles, I have listed more than one hundred "names" for what I call "nonsense gods" you read in A.A. literature, hear in A.A. meetings, and see in the writings of professionals. I applaud your article and its recognition of the consequences of leading sick, innocent newcomers down the trail of New Age defeat.
God Bless, Dick B. Click here to reply to this post
The Early A.A. reliance on the Creator and decisions for Christ
Posted On: 05/29/08 02:04:40 PM
Age 83, HI
One has to understand the role of the Adversary to understand fully how higher powers that are Coke bottles, radiators, "Something," "Somebody," a door knob, a light bulb, "it" ever attained ascendancy in a fellowship that began as a Christian Fellowship, an insistence on belief in Almighty God, and accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour. "Be sober, be vigilant..."
"Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil...." In my various titles, I have listed more than one hundred "names" for what I call "nonsense gods" you read in A.A. literature, hear in A.A. meetings, and see in the writings of professionals. I applaud your article and its recognition of the consequences of leading sick, innocent newcomers down the trail of New Age defeat.
God Bless, Dick B. http://www.dickb.com/index.shtml Click here to reply to this post
I have to agree...
Posted On: 05/29/08 09:00:54 AM
Age 46, NC
...with these sentiments. In the area where I live alcoholism as well as drug abuse is very widespread. There is a meeting place here for this organization but it is seldom full. The success rate is so low people realize there is little chance of total recovery. We have started a "recovery" group here at our church but unlike typical AA or NA, we identify the "higher power" as Jesus Christ and Him alone. We directors of this group do not claim to be "trained" professionals but rather born again believers who have a burden for those who are searching for the way out of a deadly lifestyle. Our meetings have very little resemblance of an AA or NA meeting. We open in prayer to the one true God, as He is, not as anyone imagines Him to be, and then we open the table for any personal experiences or needs arising throughout the previous week. If there are none, then we search the Scriptures for encouragement. One critical principle we believe in is that having been born again, we have been made new creations. We believe we have been delivered from the draws of alcohol and drugs. Our minds are being renewed and the luster of the former life is clearly gone. God opens our eyes to see it as it is, a tool of satan, to destroy the lives and families of those who succomb to it. We no longer persist in identifying ourselves as "alcoholic" or "addict". We consider ourselves as delivered. We understand that the flesh still has the weakness but having our minds made over, and fixed on Jesus Christ, the miserable compulsion to our former vices is subsided. We cannot claim a 100% effective rate so far, but we have seen incredible changes in many lives. Changes that are not limited to refraining from drugs or alcohol, but to all parts of life. A life born again is the strongest means of defeating any deadly dependency. Besides, even if one manages to overcome persistent drunkenness or addictions through organizations that do not lead them to Christ, they still face an eternity ahead of them that is even more miserable than anything they may endure on earth. We preach a "total" deliverance by a new dependence, a dependence on Jesus Christ for life itself. Click here to reply to this post
CURE THE CANCER- NOT THE WART
Posted On: 05/30/08 09:32:51 AM
Age 64, OH
You are exactly correct dear friend. What good is it to lead people away from alcohol into hell itself. There is no life outside of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are worried about a wort on the hand of a person who has fatal cancer. These alcoholics are offered victory over alcohol for the price of their eternal soul. It is the devil himself who makes bargains such as that. Lou Click here to reply to this post
A letter back to the mission field
Posted On: 05/29/08 08:32:08 AM
Age 61, TX
Dearest son,
Thank you for your latest letter from the mission field. Your father and I wept as we read it, for surely your soul has been grieved by attending this "all gods" service, as you call it. It's a good thing to weep for lost souls, for that is clearly in the heart of our Heavenly Father, as He said referring to King Josiah through the prophet Jeremiah, "He pleaded the cause of the poor and the afflicted. Then it was well with him. Is this not what it means to know me, saith the Lord?"
Those who have suffered the evils of alcohol and other addictions are surely among the poorest and most afflicted of those in the world, and we know it is our Lord's will that they be free.
That said, we are concerned that you are not mature enough in the faith to attend these gatherings, because the tone of your report suggests that you believe these people are worshipping various principalities and powers, but you provide no evidence of evil works. Our Lord taught us, "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." Moreover, He went on to tell us that "the tree is known by [his] fruit." Your letter contains no evidence of evil fruit, only suggestions that these poor souls are hell-bound based on what you heard in their service or read in their "Bible." How are they living today? Is the fruit of the Spirit present in their daily lives, or are their lives still filled with drunkenness, debauchery or the licentiousness of their former lives? These, it seems to us, are the more important questions to ask, not the process through which they found their freedom. Only God knows a man's heart, and we know that He will not refuse one that is broken. Are their hearts broken, my son?
We must be careful in making judgements based on the surface, my son, and sometimes we need to look far beyond what our conscience tells us. We say this to you not as a criticism of your fine work but to edify you that our Father is able to bring people to Him regardless of circumstances, and we don't wish to see your soul troubled because of what may appear on the surface.
You were sent out to the mission field to save souls for our Lord, and we are proud of the good reports we are receiving to that end. If your message of salvation is not received, we have the instructions for how to proceed, for the soil into which we are planting our seeds may need more tending before the seeds will break forth. Therefore, we encourage you not to worry too much about these people, for our Lord is ever able to accomplish miraculous deeds among the darkest of mission fields. And who except Him is to know if this isn't already underway.
We must always remember as Christians that our Lord was given to us to break the curse of the law, which is another reason we suspect your aren't mature enough in the faith to attend these meetings. Quoting Deuteronomy as though the law pertains to those under grace is a trick the devil uses to pull our minds away from the Truth that Jesus suffered and died to fulfill the law for us, and that our new commandment is simply to love one another. Using this freedom as justification for bringing a form of the law back into our lives, which we are afraid is what you are doing, is the heart of the passage from Galations that you quoted in your beautiful letter.
It requires years of prayer and study to fully understand the depth of the Apostle Paul's teaching to the church at Corinth regarding the eating of food sacrificed to idols. For us, there is only God, but the weak in the faith haven't completely come to this realization yet, and so their consciences can be pulled away by what they see and hear among the faithful who are working within dark places. Mission work demands such an understanding, 'lest it become such a burden that you, too, will be drawn away from the faith.
Your whole family is in constant prayer for you and your associates in America. May He who is All uphold and sustain you.
Mama and Papa Click here to reply to this post
VICTORY IS ONLY IN JESUS
Posted On: 05/29/08 02:36:54 PM
Age 64, OH
Read what you just wrote. You are saying that someone can have victory over sin without the Lord Jesus Christ. That never has and never will happen. I attended a AA meeting once. Their focus had not been taken off alcohol at all. Alcohol was the focus of their life and all they spoke about about. I used to drink but the Lord Jesus delivered me from this sin. I no longer think about alcohol at all. I have went years without thinking about it. Last night my son signed the contract to buy out several partners who did not getting along with the other three. I drank a glass of champaign with him as a symbol of celebration. I had one small glass and really did not want it, and I did not have any more. I never fell from my lack of total abstinence. It will probably be five more years before I have another or even never. Total victory over sin means it has no temptation over you any more. Lou Click here to reply to this post
I understand
Posted On: 05/29/08 06:58:15 AM
Age 56, NJ
Many years ago, I attended AA. I saw most were on dry drunks as alcohol was the topic of all conversations. It was also used as an excuse for moral, fiscal and personal failure in their lives (it’s your disease or at least you are not drinking today). I became a Christian at the same time and had victory over sin (drunkenness as one) and shared the good news with the folks. Of course the gospel was rejected as was I. I told them the Higher Power had a name (Jesus) and my God told me to share His victory over death and sin. They asked me to leave as I was no longer an alcoholic and I told them that the only requirement for membership was a sincere desire never to drink again which of course I had.
The main thing that got them was that they said, if you are healed, then you can drink again. I said the desire to drink and to even speak of alcohol has totally left me. I shared with them that there was more to life than attending meetings. Of course, this met with resistance as they had found acceptance, understanding and a ready excuse here.
I went to Bible College and left the area so I quit attending. I witnessed in many other places, but my heart is with you and your mission. I also don't accept alcoholic victorious and other 12 steps programs as I see them as leading away from the Jesus who set me free.
In the early 90's there was a strong diseasing of America movement against the 12 steps, but it has died down. I remember working the reference desk at the seminary I attended and was totally dismayed that a seminary with a conservative reputation (they were labeled that) was really big into co-dependency, psych etc. I had to leave that area as well. I found that straight Bible teaching is the best for me to do. It is ironic to note that when I left that Seminary, they had a meeting of the Salvation Army leaders there. They had dinner one night in a restaurant which I worked the mall as a security guard. The restaurant served alcohol and was more of a happy hour place and whose manager was being protested by MADD over a bar he owned at the University I was attending. I saw my seminary Greek teacher and his only comment was how I could slink some far down to being a rent a cop and nothing about the Salvation Army’s national leadership being in a bar/restaurant joining in eating and not protesting.
May God richly bless you Click here to reply to this post
Come Out And Be Separate
Posted On: 05/29/08 04:01:10 PM
Age 54, OR
Many who are in the AA and 12 Step religions will not take a look at AA Biblically. They do not want to come out. AA is an idol, or they are afraid that they will drink if they do not attend--for this is what they have been taught.
Others will come out, knowing that small, nagging feeling that something is wrong with AA has been the Holy Spirit, speaking to them.
We can be sober without AA or the 12 Steps. This article is written so that the Body of Christ might know what deception we have in our midst. Click here to reply to this post
The 12 Steps Work Because Organized Religion is Kept Separate
Posted On: 05/29/08 05:46:19 AM
Age 62, VA
The men who set up the 12 Step program for alcoholics had received so-called "help" for years by people who did not understand the problem - this included people who viewed their misery as an opportunity to preach about Jesus instead of helping them to recover. Their experience taught them that too many people did not understand how to help in recovery - and others use preaching and spreading the good news to make themselves feel righteous, not to give any practical help to those in need.
The founders concluded that for a program to work it had to be run by alcoholics for alcoholics, without middle men who did not know the problem or had other agendas.
The founders were religious and they knew that faith was essential to recovery so they made it part of the program. Through the years there have been thousands of critics of AA who think the founders of the program should have set it up according to the specific religious beliefs of these critics. Their attacks on the program have not worked because those involved in the program know the program works - and that the critics have nothing that works to replace the program - no matter how loud, vicious or sarcastic the attacks are. Saying you only have to turn to the Lord in a church and call him Jesus does not, in itself, solve the alcoholics' problem.
The term "higher power" was selected to keep from discouraging those who were struggling with their faith from joining the program and getting the help they need. Accounts by the founders report that they observed that many alcoholics stayed away from church sponsored programs, so the founders designed a program that would encourage people to get help - every person ready to face his problem. Every person!
These religious men deliberately did not setup a process where you have to accept Jesus as your Savior first, then get sober. Instead, they setup a program that got right down to the problem of getting sober and staying that way.
As the writer indicates, the Christian faith is not at odds with the program. The attacks have always centered on the term "higher power." Critics want the Lord's name to be used in its placed, but it does not take a second reading of the criticisms to see that those voicing them always want to turn away from the heart of the program - recovery - and turn it into just another church service. That was not working when the founders setup the program and AA members know it will not work now. For alcoholics AA is a supplement to religion, not a substitute. But, the recovery that the AA program helps so many achieve (and maintain) will cease if organized religion becomes a substitute for the AA program.
Most people who have done even a little research into AA know everything that I have written - including the critics. But, the critics seem to always give lip service to the recovery issue and spend their time trying to divert the purpose of the program. In other words, they want to destroy the program and preach a sermon in its place.
Sometimes reform is just a step backwards to that which did not work before. If you really want an alcoholic to get control of his problem do not stand in the doorway to the AA meeting room preaching the Gospel - go away and let him work on a solution anonymously. I suspect that is what Jesus would tell us to do - but then, he does not need to call attention to his righteousness at the expense of those seeking help. Click here to reply to this post
SINNERS CAN ONLY BE HELPED BY SINNERS
Posted On: 05/30/08 09:45:31 AM
Age 64, OH
What you are pointing out here is the failure of the church but not the failure of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church of this nation has failed not only people who are alcoholics but people who are sinners. Jesus came for the sick. A person that does not feel that they are sick, CAN NOT help anyone find The Lord Jesus Christ. It is only a person that is aware of his sickness that can help another sick person find the same help that he found. This is the very basis of true Christianity. Lou Click here to reply to this post
AA ruled religious by U.s. Supreme Court
Posted On: 05/29/08 06:10:35 PM
Age 54, OR
For Christians there are several key issues here. First, AA is a religion, which means that Christians who attend are essentially in two religions.
Second, AA's success rate is not all that impressive. Bill Wilson, AA cofounder, knew this. Our churches are full of those who have been freed by Jesus, who need nothing more.
A Biblical church, with prayer, Bible study, and yes, fellowship, can go a long way. May the Lord help those caught in alcoholism--and those caught in the idol-worship of the 12 Steps and of AA. Click here to reply to this post
you are still wrong
Posted On: 05/30/08 08:45:05 AM
Age 30, MN
Well you are at it again. AA is not a religion or an idol. Keep being judmental and generalizing a huge organazation as the same thats the christain way. In fact my AA group does bible study and the twelve steps are only a guide. Click here to reply to this post
AA is not a religion
Posted On: 05/29/08 08:04:22 PM
Age 61, MO
AA is a continuing detox program for people who have been physically addicted (not just mentally addicted) to alcohol. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
Alcoholics don't particularly need to hear a testimony of Jesus Christ. They first and foremost need to stop drinking alcohol. An alcoholic does not need a holy than thou Christian telling him about a sin he actually has no concept of having, only to belittle that person. When they are ready to come to that "higher power," the Holy Spirit will see to it that someone will be there to tell them or coach them to Christ. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
No False gods
Posted On: 05/30/08 10:04:54 AM
Age 54, OR
AA teaches that the alcoholic must reach out to something, some power, and this is not something Christians can be in agreement with.
You are right: "Holier than thou" Christians can do a lot of damage. But this is about reaching people with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The is a book called '12 Step Horror Stories,' where person after person talks about being abused by AA. Many of these are atheists or agnostics and the intolerance and lack of love they have received from the all-gods sect of AA poisons them against Christ and his people. They see us as all the same.
Alcoholics very much need to hear about the Salvation and deliverance of Jesus Christ. Click here to reply to this post
