Originally Posted by
marplots
It isn't much of a religion in my eyes then. For me, what distinguishes a religion is an object of worship -- could be a concept or a supposed being of some sort. In that viewpoint, AA wouldn't be a religion . . .
From Wikipedia:
Quote:
Definition and usage
In current twelve-step program usage a Higher Power can be anything at all that the member believes is adequate. Reported examples include their twelve-step group, Nature, consciousness, existential freedom, God, science, gravity, Buddha. It is frequently stipulated that as long as a Higher Power is "greater" than the individual, then the only condition is that it should also be loving and caring.[5][6]
Alcoholics Anonymous
The terms 'Higher Power' and 'power greater than ourselves' appear in the "Big Book", on three occasions:
Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
The alcoholic at certain times has no effective mental defense against the first drink. Except in a few cases, neither he nor any other human being can provide such a defense. His defense must come from a Higher Power.
Follow the dictates of a Higher Power and you will presently live in a new and wonderful world, no matter what your present circumstances!
There is little doubt that the A.A. higher power can't be anything other than a supernatural being, specifically, the christian god.