I myself am religious so I feel as if it’s easier for me to follow the 12 steps or at least was more open to understanding them but I have many friends that are non religious and don’t know how to explain a higher power them, any suggestions to help them out?
Being raised religious, and then trying so hard to run and hide from God, I am one who has needed to define my own higher power. For most people we need a God who is right here and right now. The God I taught was somewhere in heaven. He didn’t seem to care about me. All of my foxhole prayers begging for another chance, or really just to be able to party and stop. It was never with humility that I needed that power’s help. I teach other newcomers that spirituality has nothing to do with religion. If one runs on self will alone, then they believe they are god, even if unconsciously. If someone believes there is no God, they are playing a god, believing they know everything. As alcoholics/addicts we failed at being in control of much of anything. Pride blinds is from a greater force. Self will prevents us from connecting with a power we can’t comprehend. Our higher power doesn’t need to be clearly defined, we must first take the action to seek it. It starts with willingness. None care to admit we are weak, but we all are. By trying; learning to pray, learning to meditate, and asking for the willingness when we aren’t feeling it, only then can someone find that higher power. If we wait for a burning bush, or some river to part, we miss the power we can plug into every day with humility, honesty, and in-selfish requests
AA is not religious, it is spiritual. It is suggested that one only be open minded. As for the God thing, it can refer to the Group Of Drunks in the meeting or just Good Orderly Direction. When I first came in, I couldn't stay sober but we (group of drunks) could keep me sober. That was all I needed to start. Open mindedness & willingness opened the door.
A power greater than myself could be many things; the cop who could arrest me, the boss who could fire me, and the judge who can put me away. This reminds me that I am not the center of the universe. As for God specifically, it's a God of your understanding, whatever works for you. I attend meetings with Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Pagans & Agnostics. And everyone is welcome.
I suggest you & your friends who may be alcoholics give it a try. You've nothing to lose and everything to gain.
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They can go to any open meetings.only open/not closed meetings.and see for themselves.
There is a chapter in the big book of AA called “We Agnostics” (Chapter 4). Read it and it will help you (and them).
I found God in the church. I built a relationship with him in AA.
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