Does the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous teach the right Spiritual Principles?

JR Harris's picture
Submitted by JR Harris on Thu, 05/10/2012 - 21:31

Mankind has tried to identify "Spiritual Principles" for centuries. In my mind, Spiritual Principles are very simple and can be summed up in the Golden Rule of "treat others as you would have them treat you." Spirituality has hit mainstream in the US with the publishing of the "Big Book" which the con man Bill Wilson plagiarized and stole from many authors in 1939 when he copyrighted the material in his own name. The newest buzzword is proclaiming that you are following these principles and with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (AAWS, Tax EIN: 131679617, collectively identified as AA) at the Interchurch Center on 475 Riverside Drive in New York City and the Hazelden Foundation (Tax EIN: 410682405) in Center City, Minnesota the new "Spiritual Principless" of Alcoholics Anonymous are trying to be spread worldwide. The problem is, the "Big Book" does not contain any "Spiritual Principles."

AA is a confession cult, not the Spiritual cult that it claims. Nowhere in any of the literature of AAWS or the storm trooper training arm of Hazelden are the Spiritual principles even discussed. The only thing being discussed in this literature is the chanting of the blasphemous 12 Steps encouraging belief in non religious objects as "God" and repenting in a confession. Alcoholics Anonymous and the evangelists that promote it are guilty of the "Dumbing of America" in the Spiritual Arena and often have direct links to Rehabs and Hospitals who profit from the anti-logic and anti-reasoning that they teach. Many, if not all, of the well known AA evangelists have had their start in AA based Rehabs and Hospitals and follow in a Spiritual path that does not contain any Spiritual principles. What it does contain, are a bunch of slogans meant to get people to join AA and use the services of Hazelden trained Rehabs and Hospitals, but no Spiritual Principles at all. No where in the literature of AA or Hazelden are they telling people to not cheat, lie, steal, rape, have adulterous affairs or murder which the Ten Commandments were designed to do. This may be why so many incidents of financial, sexual and murder problems in AA are being reported lately in the news. AA definitely isn't teaching the correct Spirituality, if it is teaching Spirituality at all, which there is not proof of, only slogans claiming they are.

The worst part of the "Dumbing of America" is that AAWS and Hazelden are attempting to spread this phenomenon world wide to gain market share and become very rich and polluting the world with the Spirituality of the adulterous con man Bill Wilson. Don't let AA into your country if you are not US based, you don't want the type of Spirituality they promote.

Comments

BB Kate's picture

BB Kate

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 21:42

There is some debate about the Golden Rule. Some woudl argue that it should not be "treat others as you would have them treat you", rather "treat others as they would want to be treated"...

Ripping the Big Book a new one, One Day at a Time

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Thu, 05/10/2012 - 21:54

That is true, but eventually AA could be banned by claiming it is against your Spirituality and Religion. Many lawsuits have been started against the mandatory forcing of participation in the cult of Alcoholics Anonymous on the grounds it is religious, which the AA propaganda taught by the recovery industry says it is not, which is defying all logic and reasoning to those not infected with the brainwashing of the cult.

What would happen if someone brought a lawsuit saying that AA and the chanting it promotes is against THEIR religion? What if they said they don't want the Spirituality that AA promotes? What happens if people sue for being sentenced to faith healing that has an abysmal cure rate (because it does not "cure" anything per its own literature).

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

avogadno's picture

avogadno

Sat, 05/12/2012 - 22:49

It's clear that many don't understand other religions when they say it isn't offensive. How does one propose searching for a God when refusing to discuss the fact that they have crossed the line in making that proposal to begin with.

Pro Empowerment!
Truth about AA: http://orange-papers.org/menu1.html
Expose AA: http://www.expaa.org/

The Professor

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 04:33

KateBB,
"treat others as they would want to be treated"...

Do you mean like idolising a narcissist such as Bill W?

Lesson over!

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 04:49

If you are a cult member and you use "treat others as you would want them to treat you" you would want to treat them like fellow cult members. If you use "treat others as they would want to be treated" you would treat cult members like cult members and non-cult members the way they would normally act.

The problem with both definitions is what is considered normal in the different groups? This actually covers more than just AA members. What happens with satanists, masochists and criminals? All groups try to justify their beliefs with others and they both want either "Golden Rule" to be applied to their lifestyle and recruit others to join their way of thinking.

Quite a problem, perhaps the "Golden Rule" is not a good example of what Spirituality is all about?

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

The Professor

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 05:07

When the word "spirituality" is spoken of, in my mind a host personal traits come into mind...

Kindness, respect, compassion, consideration and a host of others. I think the premise of the 10 Commandments are an excellent example of spirituality. Anybody with half a brain can see the 12 Steps have nothing to do with spirituality. Just my opinion.

Lesson over!

becket's picture

becket

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 19:35

Hmmm . . . where have I read that before, BBK?

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

becket's picture

becket

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 19:34

*

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

Jesus-is-Fraud's picture

Jesus-is-Fraud

Sat, 05/12/2012 - 02:45

In that case I demand to be treated like Mary and to be royally arse fucked by god too.

becket's picture

becket

Sat, 05/12/2012 - 21:14

If Jesus didn't exist, then neither did Mary. Her sole purpose was allegedly to give birth to Jesus. So if you want to be treated like Mary you're going to have to vaporize like a bad dream. Don't wait another second.

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

btnben's picture

btnben

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 04:50

I've got vague memories of AA attorneys stating in court that AA WAS religious. In the early days I think AAWS was not for profit and GSO was a for profit organisation with 100% shares of GSO being owned by AAWS (might be the other way around, but it was a tax thing I should imagine). For whatever reason it was decided that it would be more advantageous if the were both not for profit organisations. To get the status of the original for profit company changed they had to state that AA WAS a religion.

I'm not sure where I saw this - maybe someone could confirm it?

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

The Professor

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 05:11

several state courts in the U.S.A.including New York. These courts determined that attending AA meetings is religious activity. For this reason, those state courts cannot force an individual to go to meetings (if the individual claims to be agnostic or atheist) as Church and State cannot mix.

Lesson over!

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 11:42

Slight correction: there is no need for your parenthetical. An individual does not need to claim to be an atheist or agnostic in order to assert his or her First Amendment protections. In fact, it would be equally unconstitutional to for a court to order a true 12 Step believer to AA.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

The Professor

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 12:03

I am more than au fait with English law, but not so much American. I believe I was correct in principle?

Lesson over!

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 14:28

You were correct in principle, no doubt. The state cannot establish religion by coercing people to participate in religious activities. Many federal and state courts have ruled that AA is religious for Establishment Clause purposes.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

btnben's picture

btnben

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 04:59

I've asked Clara several times but she just won't answer...lol. At least Marietta's bright enough to dodge that one.

In all seriousness, are there any spiritual principles in the BB?

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

btnben's picture

btnben

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 05:11

http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/goldrule.htm

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 05:23

Looking at the Golden Rule in different Religions, I can see it is very dangerous and pretty much gives the user of that rule "carte blanche" to try and impose their beliefs on others.

Examples from the two first Religions:

Brahmanism - "This is the sum of duty: do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you. "
Buddhism - "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful."

In both of these examples, an AA member can do whatever they please to make a prospect chant Bill Wilson and purchase goods and services from AAWS and Hazelden. It was done to them and they believe that it is something that everyone should do and be "grateful" for.

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

becket's picture

becket

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 21:58

That fuckin "Golden Rule"!! Next thing you know people are going to be spewing love and understanding - ICK.

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

genejoe's picture

genejoe

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 06:06

b b kate

There are those who want to be treated with pain and degradation and abuse. I would not want comply.

There are those who want to be treated as 'above' all others. I would not want to comply.

genejoe

The Invitation, by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

humanspirit

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 11:31

The 12 steps and BB do not contain any 'spiritual principles' at all- or any other principles, for that matter. And even if they did, what would this have to do with helping people to stop drinking?

becket's picture

becket

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 21:59

Um . . . would one of those principles be to try to help others to stop drinking?

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 22:20

If you do, please site the page and the actual quote. The "Big Book" only has one rule, find new prospects and get them to buy AAWS literature and spend their life savings on Hazelden trained rehabs.

"12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. " BB p.60, How It Works

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

becket's picture

becket

Sat, 05/12/2012 - 21:22

I'm satisfied that what appears on page 60 of the Big Book encourages carrying the message to others who still suffer - in other words, trying to help other drunks. How can you twist that with your obsession on prospect hunting? You are amazing.

You had a friend with cancer who had chemo and needed rides to his AA meetings. Although the scenario is utterly ridiculous, would you not say that you did this because you cared for the man? You wanted to help him? You could be of service and alleviate his problems? If you take your silly bias out of your interpretation of Step 12 you might, might, just might be able to see that the intent behind it is the same: to help others, to be of service, to make their lives easier and more livable - because we care about them. Or do you absolutely know that among all AAs across the world, there is not a single one of those bastards who cares about any person other than himself? Where do you draw the line with your unsolicited judgments? Is it you, JR Harris, who hates AA, or is it you who hates members of AA?

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Sat, 05/12/2012 - 21:32

No twisting.

1. The more prospects recruited into the cult, the more free AA salesmen.
2. The more free AA salesmen, the more "Big Book" sales to line the AAWS pockets with money.
3. The more free AA salesmen, the more Interventions to talk people into Rehab.
4. The more interventions, the more money in the pockets of the Hazelden Foundation.

"One of our Fellowship failed entirely with his first half dozen prospects."BB p.96, Working With Others
"Do not be discouraged if your prospect does not respond at once." BB p.96, Working With Others
"When you discover a prospect for Alcoholics Anonymous, find out all you can about him." BB p.90, Working With Others
"If your man needs hospitalization, he should have it, but not forcibly unless he is violent. " BB p.91, Working With Others

Then of course the smoking gun of what AA is all about:

"Then we saw that if a hardworking secretary answered the phone dozens of times a day, listened to twenty wailing wives, arranged hospitalization and got sponsorship for ten newcomers, and was gently diplomatic with the irate drunk who complained about the job she was doing and how she was overpaid, then such a person could surely not be called a professional A.A." 12&12 p.168, Tradition Eight

Not be called a professional AA? Arranging for sponsorship and hospitalization? At an Intergroup call center?

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

Clara's picture

Clara

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 12:40

I have answered, Ben, just not to your liking. Aa's 12 steps are principles for recovery.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 20:01

Make up your mind. "Principles" or "Suggestions" for what? Spirituality?

Lay off the sherry and maybe we can get a good answer from you.

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

avogadno's picture

avogadno

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 21:42

Grow Up

Pro Empowerment!
Truth about AA: http://orange-papers.org/menu1.html
Expose AA: http://www.expaa.org/

becket's picture

becket

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 21:59

Is "Grow up" the principle, or are you admonishing someone for something?

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

Brett

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 22:34

your gettin more & more crotchety aint cha.
get a real job, it'll help

Brett

Jesus-is-Fraud's picture

Jesus-is-Fraud

Sat, 05/12/2012 - 02:40

"Mankind has tried to identify "Spiritual Principles" for centuries."

Or Womankind....

What?

Or Womankind?

Life of Brian Script

Scene 8: The Grumpy People's Front of Judea

The sketch:

trumpets

clap clap clap

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen. The next contest is between... Frank Goliath, the Macedonian baby-crusher, and Boris Mineburg.

BRIAN: Want some...

VOICE: Thank you, fellows.

BRIAN: Larks' tongues. Wrens' livers. Chaffinch brains. Jaguars' earlobes. Wolf nipple chips. Get 'em while they're hot. They're lovely. Dromedary pretzels, only half a denar. Tuscany fried bats.

JUDITH: I do feel, Reg, that any Anti-Imperialist group like ours must reflect such a divergence of interests within its power-base.

REG: Agreed. Francis?

FRANCIS: Yeah. I think Judith's point of view is very valid, Reg, provided the Movement never forgets that it is the inalienable right of every man--

STAN: Or woman.

FRANCIS: Or woman... to rid himself--

STAN: Or herself.

FRANCIS: Or herself.

REG: Agreed.

FRANCIS: Thank you, brother.

STAN: Or sister.

FRANCIS: Or sister. Where was I?

REG: I think you'd finished.

FRANCIS: Oh. Right.

REG: Furthermore, it is the birthright of every man--

STAN: Or woman.

REG: Why don't you shut up about women, Stan. You're putting us off.

STAN: Women have a perfect right to play a part in our movement, Reg.

FRANCIS: Why are you always on about women, Stan?

STAN: I want to be one.

REG: What?

STAN: I want to be a woman. From now on, I want you all to call me 'Loretta'.

REG: What?!

LORETTA: It's my right as a man.

JUDITH: Well, why do you want to be Loretta, Stan?

LORETTA: I want to have babies.

REG: You want to have babies?!

LORETTA: It's every man's right to have babies if he wants them.

REG: But... you can't have babies.

LORETTA: Don't you oppress me.

REG: I'm not oppressing you, Stan. You haven't got a womb! Where's the foetus going to gestate?! You going to keep it in a box?!

LORETTA: crying

JUDITH: Here! I-- I've got an idea. Suppose you agree that he can't actually have babies, not having a womb, which is nobody's fault, not even the Romans', but that he can have the right to have babies.

FRANCIS: Good idea, Judith. We shall fight the oppressors for your right to have babies, brother. Sister. Sorry.

REG: What's the point?

FRANCIS: What?

REG: What's the point of fighting for his right to have babies when he can't have babies?!

FRANCIS: It is symbolic of our struggle against oppression.

REG: Symbolic of his struggle against reality.

The Professor

Sat, 05/12/2012 - 07:27

:-)

Lesson over!