Posted by calla on August 13, 2001, at 13:11:28
In reply to Re: secular group, posted by akc on August 13, 2001, at 12:39:04
AKC –
How can the state require you to attend a group that's based on a spiritual belief system? Isn't there something wrong with that picture?
By the way, I have spiritual beliefs myself, although I'm not religious (I find it easier to picture God as female, for one thing—the male God of my childhood is a cold, unloving image to me and associated with judgmentalism and repression). I just wouldn't want beliefs imposed on me by any public or private entity.
The ideal group to me would be one where the members could talk about their spiritual beliefs if they had any and how their beliefs supported their recovery, but where those without a spiritual orientation would be on equal footing. Everyone (ideally) would feel accepted and respected regardless of their beliefs or how much they chose to discuss them.
I think in SOS the participants are free to talk about anything—spiritual or not—although I'm not an expert on that group. I don't have addiction issues but went to an SOS meeting to see how its format might apply to other mental health issues. I was impressed by what I observed and learned about it.
calla
> calla,
>
> Thanks. I have -- I am unaware of any of their groups locally. And unfortunately, even if there was a group, it would not "count" for my licensing requirement. Alanon doesn't even count.
>
> I do think for those who don't want to believe in a higher power concept, this type of organization needs to grow and be more available.
>
> I have to be honest -- I don't think that is where I am headed. When I am at my most honest, usually at my Tuesday evening Alanon group, a group of people I feel more connected with than any, I can admit that there is something more than just the dirt around me that holds us together. I'm refusing to name that something most days. And I am pretty sure that something when it is named will look quite different than those christian beliefs I once held. But between here and there I have a lot of anger I have to process. And I am just needing people in the AA and Alanon groups I go to to not preach -- actually, even when I find a power I can reach out to, I still won't want the preaching. I want to be one that accepts others and feels accepted by others.
>
> AKC
poster:calla
thread:9358
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010812/msgs/9444.html