Reconciling spirituality and recoveryby Steven Diogo Despite what is presented as a wide view of spirituality in Twelve Step programs—with a focus on developing one’s own concept of a higher power—many still chafe at any mention of God, higher power or any entity that is not grounded in the physical plane. For these people, it is…
by Samuel G. Freedman Three floors above a Manhattan street of loading docks and coffee shops, in a functional room of folding chairs and linoleum tile, a man who introduced himself as Vic began to speak. “Today is my 35th anniversary,” he said. The dozen people seated around him applauded, and several even whooped in…
By John Newport Ph.D. Counselor Magazine2014/Jan-Feb. Faith in a beneficent higher power, a power greater than all of us, is a basic cornerstone of all Twelve Step recovery programs. Indeed, faith and its application is an explicit theme running throughout the Twelve Steps of AA, NA, and other programs. Specifically, Step Two states that we…
by Jesse BeachOctober 17, 2014 We atheists and agnostics in AA have faced a long struggle for acceptance. But newer 12-step fellowships are leading the way to a more tolerant form of recovery—despite a “Back to Basics” backlash. God as we understand who? “AA is spiritual, not religious—now hold my hand while we pray.” This…
Books News Desk Oct. 31, 2016 After observing prejudice based on religion at his workplace, author Miles Barnett decided to write a book on how various religions view God. “GOD EXPLAINED” allows individuals to perceive and understand when religious prejudice is being brought forth. In this book, readers are shown how 30 religious groups and denominations…