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Alternative 12 steps

nickyj18022002
nickyj18022002
As some people know I am an atheist in AA. I got sober using the 12 steps but seeing them in a slightly different (but still spiritual) way as I don't believe in god.

I have recently been looking into atheist/agnostic AA online as it can be a bit lonely to be the only one that sees things differently. I found a website that has several alternative versions of the 12 steps including humanist, Buddhist and atheist versions.

I just wondered what AA members thought of this. Do you think that the steps are sacred and should no way be changed? Do you think that as long as the spirit is expressed the wording can be optional/changed? Do you think that if people used a different version of the steps it wouldn't really be AA? Do you think more people would be attracted to AA if there were spiritual options that were less god focused? Or is changing the steps changing the message?

Very interested to know what people think.
okiyoe1
okiyoe1
Hi again,
I found AA's steps led me far enough along to feel comfortable pursuing other approaches to spirituality without having to cross reference anything I've learned previously. It all seems to blend together nicely No matter what I'm studying or pursuing:))
Billy
marsbar123
marsbar123
I get caught up in what seems to be the general AA belief that the steps shouldn't be changed, because those who have worked them effectively, have effective results, but I often wonder because there are so many who come to AA and then leave. Then there are others who stick around, but can't get into it. I myself struggle with the morning prayer bit. I think walking on a treadmill in the morning, and prayer at night would work better for me. I hear of those in the program who have great recovery, who kind of bend the rules, but I would be hesitant to suggest any such thing to any newcomer. Its a tight rope balance.
FairiIse
FairiIse
Interesting questions! Personally I make an effort to question my opinions and conclusions to just about anything because of the fear factor that is never far away. That fear is often dressed up in a different guise and a basic instinct of my human condition. I don't think the wording should be changed at all but that is just my opinion. I think it's up to me to fit myself to what is because however it is worded it is not going to suit everyone... certainly I have had my struggles along the way with words and views but can't help thinking that it is precisely because I HAVE struggled that I am able to achieve some growth from that.
CoogeeMum
CoogeeMum
Is that you Gailly? LOL
Ellenla
Ellenla
This is a great topic. The AA umbrella is huge! We have atheist/agnostic meeting in my community, and one of the members has 44 years of content sobriety. The 12 steps can be individualized and Bill W. recognized that not everyone fits the same mold. We all learn and grow at our own pace, and we do not all arrive at identical conclusions. For me, spiritually speaking, I am at peace with not having all of the answers to universal questions. Such a relief to have stopped fighting everyone and everything! I am grateful to be a sober and present member of my community.
FairiIse
FairiIse
I am intrigued to know a bit more Ellenia, I'm just thinking about the parallels here that show I have adjusted to the original wording of the 12 Steps but have "individualised" them without joining a special purpose group and/or re-wording them... The basic essence of spiritual values "do no harm' "seek humility" "help others" etc that lead to living peacefully still apply whether agnostic or Christian so I guess my question is does your group keep the wording of the 12 Steps the same?
Ellenla
Ellenla
The group substitutes Higher Power for God. And rather than say "his will" they say "it's will". Some use the word God when sharing - to refer to Group of Drunks.
I attend various meetings, and glean good information and bonds at most of them by looking for similarities rather than differences. AA saved my ass and keeps me right sized.
Group FounderGr8ful
Gr8ful
This is something that I have posted before on ugly trees. I see this many times at meetings when people hear a certain word or phrased and they shut down. Like when they are really identifying then the word god comes out and everything else is forgotten and they just focus on god and justify why they will not go further in recovery.

I think if my recovery was dependent of having some preconception of a word/phrase or political correctness I think I would be in the proverbial creek without the proverbial oar.

G8
FairiIse
FairiIse
Thanks for your response Ellenla, that's really interesting and I find this whole subject - and members' thoughts on it good to ponder.
Community Leaderbobinmaine
bobinmaine
My dad was a carpenter and he once told me there are a hundred different ways to build a house. To me, the 12 steps are like a bluprint. There are many different ways to build sobriety!

"If it works for you, then keep coming back!"

~~~ Peace! ~~~
Mutley1946
Mutley1946
As my sponsors have always told me, it is God as I understand Him and if I am not comfortable with God than use whatever I want to if it works. In AA we do have the saying "If it works, don't fix it." For a long time I had problems using God. My first sponsor told me that his God was big enough for the two of us, so I used Jack's God for a while. Birch, my second sponsor told me that he uses a Higher Power. He passed with 38 years and 2 weeks of sobriety. I have used as God of my understanding now for some 27 of my almost 33 years of sobriety and I can say whatever works for you, use it.

Happy2/Bob
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