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How Essential is Higher Power or God
Rev Leo Booth
Unity minister, published author and conference speaker
It is undeniably true that The Twelve Step program is essentially spiritual and from the earliest days of Alcoholics Anonymous it became clear that having too close of an association with any one religion or denomination would be unwise. The emphasis, for the survival of The Twelve Step program, was and is inclusivity. America, then and now, is multi-cultural, multi-religious, catholic with an exceptionally small “c”!
With this as the background to a spiritual fellowship that is seeking to carry a message to suffering alcoholics, why is there a need to mention a Higher Power or God? Well, the reason is obvious; the vast majority of people in the United States, and even more so at the time of Bill Wilson and Dr Bob, believed in God. Not only did they believe in God but they thought that such a belief played an important part in their acceptance and recovery from alcoholism.
Let us step back for a moment; as a recovering alcoholic myself, I know that the disease of alcoholism affected not only my life but the lives of everyone who was close to me; family and friends. It also, unlike influenza or diabetes, had a decidedly negative effect upon my attitude and behavior. What do I mean? Well, the analogy of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde came to mind. When an alcoholic is drinking their defects of character are emphasized; but more than this, there is usually a marked change towards the ugly.
You may remember that in the popular story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written by Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Jekyll had to drink the potion that he had mixed. When he had done so and consumed it he slowly changed into his alter ego. Where Dr. Jekyll was kind, polite and sophisticated...Mr. Hyde was crude, violent and positively animalistic.
At first Dr Jekyll thought that he could control Mr. Hyde, control the change he wanted to experience but it soon became obvious that a tragic line had been crossed; Mr. Hyde was controlling Dr. Jekyll!
Also Dr. Jekyll was only vaguely aware of his actions and behavior in the form of Mr. Hyde; a gentle reference to what we call blackouts. In the end Mr. Hyde took over completely and Dr. Jekyll died. Reminding us that alcoholism is a chronic and fatal disease.
When I go to a Twelve Step program I share and hear:
- What is was like
- What happened
- And what it is like now
The specifics of what it was like can be truly scary. The lies and manipulations, Mental, emotional and physical damage to spouse, parents, children and friends. Legal issues that occasionally lead to a prison term. Financial irresponsibility. Serious mental, physical and emotional illnesses. Attempted suicides. And a decimation of spiritual values. Trust me, alcoholism is not heartburn!
The result is a descent into guilt and shame. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Regrets that consume us. A spiritual malady.
It is at this point that most alcoholics who believe in God seek to turn their lives in His direction. But not with rigid proselytizing or dogmatic pronouncements, rather is it gently suggested that the alcoholic...came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
The word God is not used immediately. Why? Because most alcoholics, although they might believe in God, were not overtly religious. Many had left the church. Some viewed themselves as sinners. Shame and guilt had destroyed any vestiges of self-worth.
The arrogant behavior of the alcoholic was introduced to the concept that there is a power greater than themselves...something other than self needs to be experienced. For many, in the early months, it is the fellowship.
Only then are we slowly introduced to a concept of God that is truly inclusive and comprehensive. Whatever your religious affiliation might be, Muslim, Jew, Christian, you are welcome, this is what is so very powerful in the rooms of alcoholics seeking recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous does not push Jesus. It has never been denominational. Most members are not active (regularly) in churches or synagogues. Truly the atmosphere of most meetings is inclusively spiritual.
And yes, they are conscious of members who are agnostic or atheist. Some people have been hurt in the name of God. Some members actually felt and heard that they were not accepted in their church community. Let’s think about it, there were serious reasons, years ago and today, why the fellowship needed and needs to be anonymous!
This month, because of Valentine’s Day on the 14th, is often called the LOVE Month. And that has been my experience of Higher Power or God that is spoken about in Twelve Step meetings.
Love in service: Love in the fellowship: Love in unity.
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