Alcoholics Anonymous is NOT a cult

However, perhaps I did not make myself clear that I was also using Dr. Lalich's and Dr. Langone's checklist as to define characteristics associated with cultic groups. My opponent said that he accepted all the definitions for cult, so my question to him is: Do accept their criteria for a cult? If not, please include your own as part of your own definition. I am not arguing whether AA can be viewed as religious to some. People choose their own conception of a Higher Power. Even atheist and agnostics can find a definition that works for them. The AA preamble also states ‘AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. ' The Agnostic AA meetings have their own preamble, which is: ‘This group of A. A. attempts to maintain a tradition of free expression, and conduct a meeting where alcoholics may feel free to express any doubts or disbeliefs they may have, and to share their own personal form of spiritual experience, their search for it, or their rejection of it. We do not endorse or oppose any form of religion or atheism. ' On that note, my opponent repeatedly (see rebuttals 6, 9, 10 and 11) asked what my arguments had to do with AA being a cult. I say that they are in fact relative, so long as one considers the criteria for the checklist. I would suggest that my opponent review Dr. Lalich's and Dr. Langone's checklist. Rebuttal 1: For AA to be a cult, members would have be excessively zealous and committed without question to its leader and regard the leader's belief system, ideology, and practices as the truth, as law. Truths: alcoholics suffer from a ‘primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. ' Practices of abstinence: Currently, there is no known cure, where true alcoholics can drink successfully. Dr. Silkworth states that ‘it has never been, by any treatment with which we are familiar, permanently eradicated. The only relief we have to suggest is entire abstinence (AA, p. XXX). These truths are not from the AA leader(s); they are from health care professionals, most of which are not even members of Alcoholics Anonymous. Besides, the practices of the 12 Steps are not mandatory. Again, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. No one makes anyone do the 12 Steps. Rebuttal 2. My opponent stated that ‘one does not have to punish its members, in order to become a cult. ' I would agree with him based on the criteria/definition of cults, ‘questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished. ' I have already demonstrated that AA members are encouraged to ask questions and/or voice doubt. Many of them do balk at the program. In the fifth chapter of the AA Big Book, it clearly states that some members balk at the program because they think they can find an easier, softer way. So, if members are encouraged to question and voice doubt, and can balk without being punished by the group, then AA is not a cult (based on the criteria/definition of a cult). Rebuttal 3. My opponent stated that when he enters a church, he does not have to pray. The checklist item stated that ‘mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, etc. ) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader. If one reviews the agnostic's preamble, they would note ‘alcoholics may feel free to express any doubts or disbeliefs. ' So, if cults are supposed to use ‘mind-altering practices in excess and serve to suppress doubts' and AA encourages members to express doubts and disbeliefs, than AA practices do not fit that definition/criteria of a cult, thus not being a cult. Rebuttal 4: My opponent states that cults do not require leaders but I would like to point out that one of the warning signs listed on Howcultswork. com is there is a single charismatic leader. Regardless, I would like to request my opponent to provide 3 examples of known cults that do not have leaders. Rebuttal 5. My opponent emphasized the point that AA uses the term ‘Higher Power. ' I believe that his claim that most people assume this to mean God asserts what is true of a part is true for the whole, committing the fallacy of composition. Do you have evidence that most people equivalent wording? the term ‘higher power' to God? Or are you drawing on your own personal conclusions? My opponent asked me what is the first thing that comes to mind when someone suggests a Higher Power? Well, my friend, I cannot speak for anyone but myself, but I do not believe that my answer or your question is relevant to the debate, since it has nothing to do with the definition/criteria of a cult. However, I would like to remind the audience that the 5th criteria stated that the ‘group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members. Dr. Lalich and Dr. Langone's offered the following example: ‘the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avantar – or the group and/or leader is on a special mission to save humanity'. I suppose one could argue that the leader in AA is a Higher Power, but there is not one Higher Power, it is a mix of many different Higher Powers, whether one is religious, or an atheist, or an agnostic. There are such conceptions as ‘Creative Intelligence, Universal Mind, or Spirit of Nature, God, and so much more. Alcoholics try everything to stop drinking on their own will, and find that their efforts are insufficient. They cannot stay on the wagon for good. They ‘have tried every imaginable remedy…by every form of self-deception and experimentation, they will try to prove themselves the exceptions to the rule, therefore nonalcoholic' (AA, p31). Lack of power is the alcoholic's problem, so they must find a power greater than themselves. It's not that there is an assumed power that must be adopted, it is simply a Power greater than the alcoholic and the alcoholic is free to choose his or her own conception of that Higher Power. Rebuttal 8: I agree with my opponent that not all cults are destructive. Again, based on the criteria/definition: ‘the group teaches or implied that its supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means it deems necessary. This may result in members participating in behaviors or activities they would have considered reprehensible or unethical before joining. ' Active alcoholics often engage in behaviors that are considered reprehensible or unethical. AA stresses sobriety based on this type of foundation will be precarious, and suggests amending past wrongs and continuing to take personal inventory. Rebuttal 11: I do agree with my opponent that not all cults encourage hate or violence. I was simply providing reason as to why AA members work with new members (to stay sober and to pass on what was so freely given to them) and demonstrating that they are not preoccupied with recruiting new members. Since members are not preoccupied with recruiting new members, they surely do not meet the criteria of a cult, thus AA is not a cult. In conclusion, I do not see how my opponent can accuse me of watching horror movies, seeing how he knows nothing about my habits or me. I would argue that my opponent made an ad hominem argument, rather than a sound argument based on reason and relevance. Again, I request my opponent to review the criteria of a cult, so that we can be on the same page. If he does not accept it, then I would request kindly, that he would supply his own acceptable definition. Unfortunately, I am running out of characters, and I will have to use round 3 and 4 to discuss items 12-15. I appreciate this debate and I look forward to my opponents' response. . http://www.agnosticaanyc.org...