AA sprang from The Oxford Group, a non-denominational movement modeled after first-century Christianity. Most Group members ("Groupers") were not concerned with sobriety, but some, such as Ebby Thacher, believed the group was a critical aid in staying sober. Following the Group's evangelical bent, Thacher sought out former drinking buddy Bill Wilson to tell him he was sober because he had "got religion." Thacher also told Wilson he could get sober too if he set aside his objections to religion and form a personal conception of God, "another power" or "higher power."
- Pass It On, p 117.
- Walter HA, Soul Surgery p. 44 Oxford: The Oxford Group
- Kurtz, Ernest (1980). Not-God: a history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Center City, Minn: Hazelden Educational Services.
A.A. Thought for the Day
"There was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet by Alcoholics Anonymous. By doing so, we have a spiritual experience which revolutionizes our whole attitude toward life, toward others, and toward God's universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives there in a way, which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do for ourselves." Have I let God come into my life?
As you can see in the Thought for the Day (from Hazelden's "24 Hour a Day" published in 1954) the idea of a Christian God is prevalent throughout most writings regarding AA. I'm not sure why this makes me uncomfortable after being in the program for 15 years but it does. It's a troubling aspect of AA and the most common obstacle that newcomers stumble on. However without a new spirituality I'm sure that sobriety isn't possible for most. I pray to a Higher Power every day but stop short of recognizing the Christian God. I hope that this issue is never a roadblock in your recovery.
~ Mike
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