Religion is Personal

[Angel09]

~RELIGION IS PERSONAL~

I feel we are getting away from AA's "Higher Power," "God as we understood Him" concept. Recently, I have heard opening-meeting prayers in Jesus Christ's name, and the Bible referred to as not being a religion but bringing the same message as the one in our Big Book.

Not that I see anything wrong with anyone else's belief. But to me, it is personal. Anything other than the "Higher Power" stressed within our Fellowship tends to limit us and to keep away some of those who may want to seek us out for help.

My understanding is that when the manuscript of the Big Book was written, it was decided that "Higher Power"and "God as we understand Him" be adopted.

Belief in some "power greater than ourselves" was seen to be vital, but only as it came to each of us individually.

The newcomer is the important one in AA, and I recentlly learned from a newcomer that some religious references were disturbing to him. I guess all I am really trying to say is:

Lets keep it simple; it works so well.

Grapevine ~ J.R. Chatham, Ontario

[Coffeebreath]

Thanks Ang.

There are some recovery meetings that are more religously influenced, that are more Jesus Christ oriented. There were two members of my HG that left because A.A. wasn't working for them and they went out searching for the recovery meetings that incorporated Jesus Christ.

I believe in Christ and God, however I believe in A.A. also. I also believe that it is extremely important to keep religion and A.A. seperate. The phrase "God As We Understood Him", doesn't discriminate or push anything upon anybody.

If a group incorporates religion into A.A., it's not an A.A. meeting anymore. That group should decide if it wants to become a religious recovery group or a group of Alcoholics Anonymous but it can't be both.

[Butterfly Woman]

I agree it cannot be both we have to keep it so that it is "all inclusive...never exclusive"

[Angel09]

SO TRUE..BW! SENDING YOU SOME BUTTERFLIES...JUST BECAUSE I LOVE YOU...

[Butterfly Woman]

Thank You Angel..That is so thoughtful and special
I love you too