Atheist in the Program

[SoonerCasey]

First, a little background. I am a 23 year old female in Oklahoma. I went to a psych hospital for 8 weeks after trying to kill myself. It was there that the depth of my alcohol and drug problems were uncovered and I have been sober since Aug. 8, 2007 (Today is 6 months!).

I grew up in a non-religious family but went to Catholic school for 13 years. I consider myself an atheist. I haven't had any problems with this belief until I entered AA. I'm afraid I won't be successful unless I get a higher power or, like every person I have met in recovery in oklahoma, God. I can't wrap my mind around it. My 1st sponsor just glossed over steps 2 and 3 and I wasn't comfortable with that because it is obviously a huge part of staying sober.

Are there any atheists out there who have had success in this program? Any suggestions for me? I am going to try to get another sponsor but I don't know how to say "Atheist Sponsor Please" without sounding like a nut.

[samf]

I don't consider my self an atheists, but do have friends who are and are sober and happy.

Carol already said what i would have, about both using the AA people or gourp as a Higher Power...or the Good Orderly Direction.

There are...thought this might make you grin...a lot of people who identify as recovering catholics...(or babptists...or whatever), in the program.

One friend called thier Higher Power "Bud". It stook for, "but you do". One just said whatever seemed to make the grass grow.

Do you have twelve and twelve/...there's some good stuff in there, too.

Love,

Sam

[angussdundee]

Casey,
very well done on your 6 months of sober living. It's not easy, is it?
We need all the help we can get, I know I did. And that help often comes is strange, unrecognizable forms that we don't quite understand.
The Lords prayer often said after certain meetings appears in the new testament and it definitely has a Christian image. But it's foundations are without doubt Jewish.
My point is. These prayers or symbols mean different things to different people, so try to keep an open mind. Even Bill W, one of AA's founder members couldn't recall where the custom of reciting the Lords prayer came from. Just don't let the recitation of a single prayer hold you back from getting the help you need.

In spite of me trying to reassure you that most recovering AA's are more interested in spirituality than religion, consider whether your discomfort, or as you say "God. I can't wrap my mind around it"....
is a form of denial and that could be part of this disease.
Are you really very worried about 'this God thing' or are you looking for a way to avoid dealing with the more important issue that is alcoholism?
I'd be interested to hear more from you and I wish you all the best.

Anguss.

[jimmyb]

8)

GOD= Group of drunks

[DrumRobC]

8)

GOD= Group of drunks


Jimmy,

That remind me of a book I'm reading right now. I'm beginning my journey to recovery and struggled (and am still somewhat struggling) with the idea of a higher power, or GOD. The book is '12 Steps on Buddha's Path; Bill, Buddha, and We' by Laura S. It's extremely insightful and is very non confrontational about the whole "God' idea as a higher power. Just thought I'd drop that little nugget in this spiritual progress section because it is something I'm still working on.

ROB

[naturecancureall]

I started as a catholic, then wiped it all out and became a deist then became an atheist but believed in marxism. Later on I became a feminist and an ecologist. Now I am a strong believer in the essence of life and its energy. I see it in our volcano ceaselessly erupting, I see it in the constant return of spring season after season, I see god through diversity of shape and similarity of systems. Every time I open my eyes and see the clouds in the sky or a bird grazing the seeds in the yard I implode in wonder and gratitude that I was so lucky to have eyes to see this.!
There is no God per se, there is a mystery as to the source of life. All we can do is merge with this mystery and become a piece of it. This awareness can be attained with practice. As you know practice is the method to reach any accomplishment.
Check out this website <www.rawdetox.org>
Aloha!

[samf]

Aloha to you, as well! Sending a hug!

Sam

[Danni]

Just for reading and inspiration, we don't have to "wrap our minds around it", just our hearts.