This exploration of the differences between organized religion and 12 Step spirituality is intended to help individuals find a source of spiritual strength in their recovery from alcohol or other drug dependence. The goal is to help the individual to set aside obstacles to willingness to seek spiritual strength.
Obstacles to 12 Step spirituality often come from an individual’s past negative experiences with organized religions be the person Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopalian, or Jewish, to name a few. These negative experiences often cause the individual to react negatively to the 12 Step programs due to their mention of God and spirituality.
Listed below are some of the differences between religion and spirituality in the 12 Step Programs. The list is not intended to be critical of organized religion, or to suggest that religions do not provide opportunities for spirituality and strength which can help an individual in recovery. They can and do.
The list is intended to help individuals to avoid an all or nothing negative reaction to the suggestion of the 12 Step Programs that persons in recovery will benefit from seeking and finding a Higher Power, or God of their understanding.
Any individual can find and develop a personal relationship with a source of spiritual strength regardless of past experiences.
Here are some of the differences between organized religions and 12 Step Spirituality:
ORGANIZED RELIGION
God tends to be specifically defined, at times in ways that may exclude
Tend to ask people to be good and obey a number of Thou shalt not’s; can be guilt based and judgmental, asking for repentance from sins
Tend to stress doing good to find reward in the hereafter
Tend to have absolute rules, dogma, rigid structure, rules of worship, a do it our way approach
Tend to have a hierarchy; leaders
Monetary contributions are expected
Tend to have issues around politics, personalities
12 STEP SPIRITUALITY
God is defined as the higher power of your understanding, an inclusive approach
Persons with addictions are sick, not bad, and get well, not good; negative behaviors while drinking or using are used positively to aid recovery
Stresses NOW; being honest and helping other recovering persons to stay clean and sober one day at a time
Has 12 suggested steps, few rules, relaxed structure: if you want what we have, do what we did
Our leaders are but trusted servants. They do not govern
No dues or fees
Has guidelines to keep egos in check; principles
above personalities; anonymity
Jan Edward Williams, MS, JD, LCADC
http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com
