Newsgroups: alt.recovery
Subject: Re: "We are not allied with any sect or denomination" - Really?
From: dlittlej@csulb.edu (Darren Littlejohn)
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1992 01:13:36 GMT
Organization: Cal State Long Beach

In article <1992Dec21.200353.20848@informix.com> hartman@informix.com (Robert Hartman) writes:
>In article <1992Dec15.170958.22521@Cadence.COM> jerpseth@sd.cadence.com (James Jerpseth) writes:
>>Oh for the nievette of 6 months, to believe deep in my heart
>>that I, and only I, know how the 12 steps should be re-wriiten.
>>To be the only one qualified to re-write a program for millions
>>of people in my own image and needs.
>> ...
>
>Hmmm.  Last I heard, the program was primarily _for_ newcomers, and
>that what we oldtimers are there for is to remember why we came in the
>first place.  When I was a newcomer, one of the things I most
>appreciated was a chance to be heard out, and to have my perspective
>acknowledged and validated--or at very least, respected.  If my views
>had been pooh-poohed like this, I'd still be actively addicted.  Why?
>Because I would have felt that my needs wouldn't get met in the
>program--and if my needs in life aren't going to get met anyway, I
>might as well do what I like.
>
>Everyone's program is different.  Everyone's needs are different.  When
>I first came into the program, one of the things I had to do to further
>my recovery was to fire God.  I HAD TO FIRE GOD!  Why?  Because concept
>of God that I acquired through a fundamentalist Christian sect was so
>judgemental, so viscious, and so uncaring, that as long as I continued
>any relationship with Him my recovery was doomed.  So I FIRED HIM!
>
>Needless to say, regardless of all those other millions of people (and
>I wonder how many of whom might also have similar trouble with the
>Christian influence in the program), personally, I HAD TROUBLE WITH IT,
>and for the record, after four years I STILL HAVE TROUBLE WITH IT.  And
>in every meeting I've been to where the issue has come up, there's been
>at least one other person besides myself who agrees with me.
>
>To me, the most important thing to remember about the program is that
>it isn't perfect.  It works well enough that it doesn't have to be
>perfect.  If it's perfect for you, fine.  But please do me the kindness
>of remembering that it isn't perfect for _me._  There are things about
>it I don't like, that aren't good for me, but that I put up with for
>the sake of the things that _are_ good for me.  On the whole it's a
>win for me, but if I could change certain things, I would.
>
>And so, as one of those millions who's had to put up with The Lord's
>Prayer (just what I need in an HP, ... a "lord" ... no thanks!), please
>remember that I am tolerating this sectarian intrusion into my program
>for the sake of _your_ recovery.  I'd appreciate a little respect for
>my position and those who feel as I do.  
>
>At a minimum, please do me the kindness of never using that sort of
>line on a newcomer again.
>
>Thank you,
>
>Robert Hartman

Well Robert, I certainly understand and empathize with your position. It's
OK. Don't let the Die Hards dysfunctional thinking stop you from YOUR
recovery. There is an interesting book called Recoverying CAtholics by
Larsen that I recommend. I have appointed myself the messenger of
New Age Metaphysical recovery. I talk about total recovery and various
other nasty topics like therapy and Zen in every meetint I can. I sat with
some old timers the oterh day (Xmas day) and told them they were rigid and
narrowminded. (one word?)We had a long talk to discover that we really dont
disagree TOO much at heart. It's just the language that is used that
is kind of hard to deal with sometimes, and the lack of openmindedness
too alternatives.....borne of fear. 

-- 
"The Harvests are plentiful, the laborers few" Jesus Christ

"what you're lookin' for, you're lookin' with!" Chuck C.

Xref: sparky alt.recovery:3746 alt.support:1570