Do you think AA meetings should include Christian or spiritual themes?
I am a former alcoholic who has been abstinent for 11 years and went to AA for the first 9. The thing about AA is that the spiritual “theme” is in fact the entire program. The philosophy of AA (and all 12 step programs) is that the individual is “powerless” over his/her addiction and that since this is the case a “higher power” must perform the “miracle” of giving the addict the “gift” of recovery. This can only happen “one day at a time” meaning that the addict is never actually cured. Is this an absurd philosophy? I certainly think it is, particularly after spending all that time in the program and going half out of my mind from the constant sense of disempowerment. I’m not an atheist, either; just someone who doesn’t think faith healing makes much sense. Now, AA isn’t going to change (trust me). However, there is no need to be discouraged. AA is not necessary in order for your brother to quit drinking; just as many people quit without it as quit with it (this “there’s no other way”
