AA and religion

Ok, so if you've been reading this board, you know I'm newly sober. I've been to AA meetings for a couple weeks now, in two locations. I also went to mtgs briefly about 2 years ago. Back then, the mtg I went to was a women's mtg at a church. At the conclusion of each mtg, we said The Serenity Prayer.

But now, the meetings (6 outta 7) ended in The Lord's Prayer. I am reeeaaaallly uncomfortable with it. Of course, I stand, and hold hands in a circle, but stay silent. I am a spritual person, but my higher power is not a "Father who art in Heaven".

I have always been interested in diversity and inclusion of all peoples race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious backgrounds, etc. It's something very important to me and close to my heart. (Just look at all the bumper stickers on my car!)

So, this Lord's Prayer thing feels so sad to me. I feel like these great meetings end on such a sad, exclusionary note. Like I am only welcome to join the family if my higher power is that one they are talking about.

Has anyone else struggled with this, and figured out a way to deal with it?

For now, I just consider that part of the meeting is for them, and I am saluting them and their sobriety.

emmy

P.S. It would be appreciated if this thread didn't become a slamming AA thread, since attending AA meetings is really helping me stay sober. Thanks.

http://forums.psychcentral.com/showf...5&o=93&fpart=1

check out this other thread... you might find some helpful links??!!

Thank you CCL. I have checked out all the options. In my geographic area, there are no other meeting groups except AA. And I really need the face-to-face thing. Online is just not cutting it for me. I hide out here online too much, instead of getting out into the world and dealing with my life. So, I need faces, ya know? I need eyes to look into which are attached to a real body with feet that can kick my arse! (other than my T.....)

But thank you for the suggestion. I do appreciate it.

emmy

i know what you mean... this place is much like a hole in which to hide... and it sucks me in... nothing beats real human contact... we NEED it.

Emily…
I had this same conversation with a few guys before a meeting the other day. Each of us has years of sobriety in AA. I put forward the notion that the Lord’s Prayer is technically a violation of AA’s preamble. “AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution.”

A hot discussion followed.

Even between a bunch of guys that love AA, sponsor guys, chair meetings and apply the principles of AA in their lives every day, there is disagreement on this point.

For what it’s worth, I think you are right, the Lord’s prayer does not technically belong in an AA meeting. But I don’t let my fears or prejustices block me from the sunlight of the spirit.

I try not to join a fight just because I have been invited.

On the road to the good stuff,
Richard S.

Thank you for input. It's good to hear that you understand where I'm coming from on this issue. I posted the same question on beliefnet....you should check out all the responses!

http://www.beliefnet.com/boards/mess...ges_per_page=4

It's is all VERY interesting!

I think this issue will work it's way out for me in time. I can spend that prayer time doing my own silent meditation. That'll work for me. I'm glad the people in the room find comfort in their prayer.

emmy

ems.....i'm really proud of you..........