I find it pretty unsettling whenever anyone post about Jesus and or their faith in him certain individuals feel the need to try and break them and their post down. I find it sad that a community founded on building each other up despite personal differences has individuals who would rather spread hate and discontent rather than love and support.
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In AA I am taught that love and tolerance is our code. Regardless of my beliefs, I wish to be tolerant towards other’s beliefs. Many of us do have serious religious hang ups. Speaking for myself, I know I have my preconceived notions of religion/God that have made it difficult for me to “fit in” with AA. It’s taken me a very long time to finally move past these issues and have a conscious contact with a higher power of my understanding. I do find it difficult to read the big book and 12 steps with all of the “God” references. I do find it difficult to listen to others talk about religion/God. However, at this point I’m very mindful of letting others have their views, just as I wish others to allow me mine. It’s something I have to remind myself all the time. I do wish all of us in recovery were a bit more tolerant on this subject matter. Let’s support each other and respect each other’s beliefs.
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This is not the place for theological debate. Having gone through an atheist phase myself; I generally try to respect the fact that these anti-theist individuals are coming from a place of good intentions and are trying to help others with their views.
I believe in God and go to church, but I do try to keep that to my own private life. We live in a world with thousands of different views on what happens in the afterlife and nobody knows for certain. Before my faith comes my secularism to accept that others may have a different view and belief than me. I wish we lived in the world or there was no such thing as a religious person or an atheist, just humans.
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I agree. But, those experiences dont mean an individual has to project onto someone else. I mean, what's it to anyone how one gets sober? My sobriety and how I found is my own. Just like yours is. If you make a post that I don't agree with or goes against my beliefs, it only effects me if I let it or want it to. Same for you. You could have taken a different approach to my post but didn't. You willfully chose a calm and respectable response. I appreciate that.
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Of coarse I did! We are brothers!
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I'm not talking about debating. I'm talking about certain individuals who always respond with ignorance and mocking. I'm not saying they don't have that right to. I'm saying it's counter productive.
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I understand that you don’t see it as debating but they do. This is why it’s tailored specifically at religion as you say is where you see it. You are saying that you don’t see people mocking or being ignorant in all places of the application.
Humans have been getting nasty with each other since the dawn of time over ideologies that they think is right and others are getting wrong. This is why people generally try to avoid conversations of politics or religion.
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This isn't a religious forum. It's a sobriety forum. It's also public.
My short time in AA has revealed to me that there are A LOT of people who never stepped foot in the rooms because of all the religion I was the same way. Just putting our flag out there since yours is always out.
Try not to melt.
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I never said it was a religious forum. I could say the same. That many Christians don't think AA is a Christian program. Just because you feel that doesn't mean you needed to be negative to someone who has done nothing to you. If you want to paint Christians all in the same light that's your business. Just don't complain when someone does that to you. Calling Jesus "zombie Jesus" isn't you trying to showcase your beliefs, you are showcasing ignorance for the sake of being ignorant to someone.
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Cool thing about AA and NA programs is can’t be wrong in the God you choose to have your back. To each their own. Not about religions.
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Agreed
This is why Step 3 & 11 state "as we understood him."
The founders knew theology in our world of confusion comes in many flavors. However you choose to understand your higher power in order to help you recover from alcohol is your choice.
As previously stated we are supposed to practice love and tolerance, and respect others beliefs in this program even if they don't match up to ours.
No room for haters!
Hello David. Yes, it’s sad when someone acts “unspiritually.” But this is a group of addicts and alcoholics who are in various stages in recovery. I don’t approve of anyone’s bad behavior, but I try to do the next right thing. I am a living example and can only control my actions and no one’s else’s. Thanks.
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The issue isn't them commenting. The issue is the manner in which they do. They also don't have to comment. They use their own free will to comment.
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Recovery or not, sober or not, you are still responsible for your own actions. Good or bad.
The issue isn't someone commenting on posts. The issue is people using those comments to be rude and mean. For the sake of being rude and mean. You can comment all you want. Yes it's a public forum. That doesn't mean you have to. How is being a rude to someone who you've likely never met before help your sobriety? How is that moving you one step further on your journey, whether it be a week in, a year or 10 years?
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Maybe I wasn’t clear enough. People are going to comment the way that people do. As someone mentioned “it’s a public forum.” And yes, this is meant to be a “support app.” But personally, I think it’s unrealistic to expect everyone to adhere to “a certain standard.” I started using this app right about when it was launched. The admin asked us to report fake/catfish accounts. We did, though I bet that there are a few right now. This app is never going to be perfect because human beings aren’t perfect. I get it. You don’t like bad behavior. Who does? I just try to keep from having unrealistic expectations. Thanks.
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No, I understood fine. I stated my stance in the comment above this one. Yes, I understand people will be people. But that doesn't mean I can't say anything. Just like they can, so can I or anyone else. So can you. I have nothing wrong with that. These individuals can't complain when someone has an issue with how they comment on their post. I wasn't disagreeing with your previous comment fyi. Thanks for being awesome and responsive.
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And thank-you for engaging and taking a stand for what you believe. You are certainly making a positive contribution in my opinion.
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Same to you!!