This God thing
Although I have written on this topic previously the god issue continues to confuse and trouble many. For example, those attempting to use the 12-step program for recovery from addiction to alcohol, other drugs, sex, food, or other people, places and things often come to the 12-step program with a history of an angry, punishing god or an alleged loving god who had no impact on worshipers who were anything but loving.
For as long as humans have been attempting to use some form of art or language to share their thoughts, they have attempted to determine if this life journey has any purpose other than a brief drop or drive by. If there is a purpose is that purpose designed or ordained by something or someone? Theologians and others have grappled with this question. Many have posited concepts of gods ranging from a very rigid, punishing supreme god to a family of gods or spirits Some groups have posited spirits which were very inclusive of all of nature while others have posited a god who is a super human father like figure. Some prophets have envisioned a being who, while all powerful and knowing, has a softer, more forgiving side and occasionally even a sense of humor.
Many humans demanded that their God be available to ensure military victory, Some such as Samuel Clements/Mark Twain was amused by the Christian concepts of god and of a boring eternal home which god was preparing for the good humans; a place where none of the pleasures we enjoy on earth were present.
Many seem convinced that their particular concept of god represents the one true god which then a priori results in a moral imperative that one worship that god in manner determined by ancestors to be what that god demands. Through so called prayer and meditation elders of that religion then determine a number of other behaviors which the faithful must follow if they are to avoid the eternal wrath or displeasure of the one true god.
It is not surprising that many individuals would like to avoid any association with any organization that seems to be connected to any concept of God, especially those coming from a so called Christian concept? Perhaps those coming from a Native American or Buddhist concept might have an easier time. Even those coming from a Unitarian background might have an easier time with this god concept.
Most of those who have successfully used a 12 step-program to reclaim their life would suggest that all the program requires is that one believe in a power greater than oneself. Some even suggest that the power greater than oneself can be the group itself; that all that is required is that the person seeking recovery accept that he or she is not alone. This is extremely important since almost 100% of those who have been kidnapped by the disease of addiction report that they have always felt different - not a part of. That feeling has frequently morphed into not being as good as or not being worthwhile. In their active addiction they have had to engage in behavior which made them seem even less worthwhile and thus more isolated. If they are going to heal they have to begin to believe and to feel that that are a valued person who deserves to be a part of a group. Many reports that for the first time they feel at home in the 12-step program; they feel a member of a family.
Despite being told that it is not important to accept a concept of god to be a part of the 12 step recovery program - merely a power greater than oneself - in most meeting the term God is often used. In fact the serenity prayers which begins with the word god is often used as an opening and closing prayer. In some meetings the Christian “Lord’s Prayer” is used as an opening or closing prayer. The use of the term god or the reference to a uniquely Christian prayer is a huge turn off for many people. I am personally comfortable with the god of my understanding and can easily connect the term to mean the whole of all that is or the magical interconnectedness of all that is.
I have heard that some are considering some changes in the 12-step program which reduces or eliminates the word god, but which retains the imperative that all of us must accept that we are an essential part of a larger whole. In the meantime, I suggest that one practice replacing the term god in one’s head with whatever terms allows one to know that one’s behavior always affects others; to know that one is an essential part of the whole which constitutes the universe(s); that running from oneself and each other is not the solution but living as a “we” will allow one to feel a sense of connection and purpose even if one cannot clearly articulate that purpose.
Written August 10, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett, LPC, AADC
coachpickett.org
Although I have written on this topic previously the god issue continues to confuse and trouble many. For example, those attempting to use the 12-step program for recovery from addiction to alcohol, other drugs, sex, food, or other people, places and things often come to the 12-step program with a history of an angry, punishing god or an alleged loving god who had no impact on worshipers who were anything but loving.
For as long as humans have been attempting to use some form of art or language to share their thoughts, they have attempted to determine if this life journey has any purpose other than a brief drop or drive by. If there is a purpose is that purpose designed or ordained by something or someone? Theologians and others have grappled with this question. Many have posited concepts of gods ranging from a very rigid, punishing supreme god to a family of gods or spirits Some groups have posited spirits which were very inclusive of all of nature while others have posited a god who is a super human father like figure. Some prophets have envisioned a being who, while all powerful and knowing, has a softer, more forgiving side and occasionally even a sense of humor.
Many humans demanded that their God be available to ensure military victory, Some such as Samuel Clements/Mark Twain was amused by the Christian concepts of god and of a boring eternal home which god was preparing for the good humans; a place where none of the pleasures we enjoy on earth were present.
Many seem convinced that their particular concept of god represents the one true god which then a priori results in a moral imperative that one worship that god in manner determined by ancestors to be what that god demands. Through so called prayer and meditation elders of that religion then determine a number of other behaviors which the faithful must follow if they are to avoid the eternal wrath or displeasure of the one true god.
It is not surprising that many individuals would like to avoid any association with any organization that seems to be connected to any concept of God, especially those coming from a so called Christian concept? Perhaps those coming from a Native American or Buddhist concept might have an easier time. Even those coming from a Unitarian background might have an easier time with this god concept.
Most of those who have successfully used a 12 step-program to reclaim their life would suggest that all the program requires is that one believe in a power greater than oneself. Some even suggest that the power greater than oneself can be the group itself; that all that is required is that the person seeking recovery accept that he or she is not alone. This is extremely important since almost 100% of those who have been kidnapped by the disease of addiction report that they have always felt different - not a part of. That feeling has frequently morphed into not being as good as or not being worthwhile. In their active addiction they have had to engage in behavior which made them seem even less worthwhile and thus more isolated. If they are going to heal they have to begin to believe and to feel that that are a valued person who deserves to be a part of a group. Many reports that for the first time they feel at home in the 12-step program; they feel a member of a family.
Despite being told that it is not important to accept a concept of god to be a part of the 12 step recovery program - merely a power greater than oneself - in most meeting the term God is often used. In fact the serenity prayers which begins with the word god is often used as an opening and closing prayer. In some meetings the Christian “Lord’s Prayer” is used as an opening or closing prayer. The use of the term god or the reference to a uniquely Christian prayer is a huge turn off for many people. I am personally comfortable with the god of my understanding and can easily connect the term to mean the whole of all that is or the magical interconnectedness of all that is.
I have heard that some are considering some changes in the 12-step program which reduces or eliminates the word god, but which retains the imperative that all of us must accept that we are an essential part of a larger whole. In the meantime, I suggest that one practice replacing the term god in one’s head with whatever terms allows one to know that one’s behavior always affects others; to know that one is an essential part of the whole which constitutes the universe(s); that running from oneself and each other is not the solution but living as a “we” will allow one to feel a sense of connection and purpose even if one cannot clearly articulate that purpose.
Written August 10, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett, LPC, AADC
coachpickett.org
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