Never Religious

Spiritual But Never Religious

The A.A. Program – Spiritual But Never Religious

One of the most common misconceptions about Alcoholics Anonymous is that it is a religious organization. New members especially, confronted with A.A.’s emphasis on recovery from alcoholism by spiritual means, often translate spiritual as religious and shy away from meetings, avoiding what they perceive as a new and frightening set of beliefs.

By the time they walk into their first meeting, many alcoholics have lost what faith they might once have possessed; others have tried religion to stop drinking and failed; still others simply want nothing to do with it.

Yet with rare exceptions, once A.A. members achieve any length of sobriety, they have found a source of strength outside themselves – a Higher Power, by whatever name – and the stumbling block has disappeared.

FAQ – AA – A Newsletter for Professionals Fall 2003; www.aa.org