Alcoholics Anonymous, Without the Religion

The New York Times Samuel G. Freedman reports that Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that traditionally has its roots in organized religion, represents another manifestation of the growing humanist movement in the United States. While seven of A.A.’s 12 steps make reference to a deity, many meetings have adopted a secular tone to fit the beliefs of their audience. “A.A. starts at its core with honesty,” said Dorothy, 39, head of the We Agnostics and Freethinkers International A.A. Convention. “And how can you be honest in recovery if you’re not honest in your own beliefs? If you don’t believe in the God they’re praying to, that’s not honest practice.”

Read at The New York Times

© 2011 Religion & Politics