This is usually an argument that is created when drinking is more powerful that AA so AA is a cult. Are you drinking or sober?

So what do you recommend? How have you been able to be a happy and carefree sober person?
1is2many

I haven't had a drink in over ten years.

bob my question then is why did you choose the name you chose? sort of pot calling the kettle black if you ask me....

anyway leave it is my suggestion to you if you fear it....just go and do it on your own....

You must have encountered a different AA to the one I know.

I used to have a very bad opinion of Alcoholics Anonymous but that was before I ever went to an AA meeting. It’s called contempt prior to investigation. Have you done any investigation or do you just get a kick out of stirring things up?

I've been to over a thousand AA meetings. The powerless doctrine did not help at all. It was not until I left AA and realized that I was NOT POWERLESS that I was able to quit. It's always a choice.

I understand that some of you actually believe AA has helped you. This is not contempt prior to investigation. I've worked AA's steps with no results. I've been on my knees daily. I did all that they suggested. I know what AA is. If you want to float around on your pink cloud believing some invisible God is directing your life... Have a blast. One thing I hated the most were the threats.... You'll die without us is basically what they suggest. Guess what... I almost certainly signed my own death warrant when I left AA. They told me I'd come crawling back with my tail between my legs. They suggested that anything other than their program would inevitably lead to failure... or that it was an "easier, softer way." I know all about AA. and guess what? I've been alcohol free for over ten years. The worst thing you can do to someone who is trying to quit drinking is to ask them to define God. It's confusing and unnecessary.

I suggest you go to IA, Ignorance Anonymous.

BigBook Bob You have a right to your opinion.However I feel that what ever a person needs to do/believe in to quit this horrible disease is their personal choice.AA didn't work for you but that doesn't mean it wouldn't work for someone else.Congrats on 10 years sober btw.

To each his own, to thine own self be true.

Contrary to your personal experience with AA, I found AA to be a life-saver for me. After numerous attempts at sobriety using other methods (mainly reliance on self), all of them unsuccessful, I "did all that they suggested". With success. I will celebrate 13 years of sobriety on 07/04/2017.

For what it's worth, I no longer attend AA meetings. I completed the 12 steps and have had a spiritual experience that has rendered alcohol to powerlessness. I have been removed of the obsession with alcohol. As the Big Book states, "the problem has been removed".

It is curious that you refer to being "alcohol free" and say you "haven't have a drink in over 10 years". I find myself happy, joyous and free. Do you not feel the same? I do not understand your vehement renunciation of something that has proven so successful for countless others.

Alcohol free and sober. Two very different definitions. There is more than one way to be.

So as long as you are happy, right?
1-2

Im not powerless over alcohol and my life is often poorly managed, but its not unmanageable... :) I've come to believe that it is naive to believe in certain things. I'm pretty happy, but I'm also a bit angry that I spent so much time on my knees to the church of AA. Selfishness-self centerdness... That must be the root of my problem... Right? Driven by all kinds of isms we must adopt in order to become AA members in good standing. What a guilt trip that was... and I bought the religious shit hook, line, and sinker. I know what AA is.

In August 2013, the Federal Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals in San
Francisco ruled in favor of Mr. Hazle. In
that ruling, the court held that twelvestep
programs are “religious” under the
First Amendment of the U.S.
Constitution, meaning that a criminal
justice officer (or, by extension, any
agent of the federal, state or local
government, or an employee of a
government-funded agency within the
bounds of the Ninth Judicial Circuit) can
be sued if they ignore a client’s religious
objections and mandate the client to
attend twelve-step based treatment
programs or to attend twelve-step
meetings without providing a secular
alternative.

My counselor has been in AA and sober for over 30 years and he is atheist. Spirituality can mean so many things besides God. The way I perceive giving my will to my higher power is that I don't and can't control everything. There is something greater than just myself and the world moves along in its own way, no matter how hard I try to control things.

A couple of people have asked me why I chose the name Big Book Bob... I kinda know my Big Book pretty well... although I no longer own a copy. At the time I thought it Ironic... because I'm no longer a believer, and thought it was funny at the time. Looking at it now I kinda think it sucks... Wish I had chosen something better, but that is not something you can change... so I am going to accept the things I cannot change.. yadda yadda yadda

Yawn. If you don't like don't attend. Why come here and slam. I don't believe in anything but being around good people who want to avoid picking up a drink just like me.

No religion. No cult. I don't care if I say the word God. It has no real impact on me. I go for the fellowship of people. I don't pray or meditate. I never get down on my knees. It's a prescription for me.

Good for you Bob. It isn't right for everyone. Thanks for leaving it.