AA seems mysterious to some people. There is a lot of curiosity and an equal amount of myth. Some believe it is a cult, some think it is an organized religion, some believe it doesn’t work at all, and none of these things are true.
The truth is, YES, the word “God” is used in the 12 steps and in AA approved literature. YES, people make reference to God when they speak and share in meetings. And, YES, some members of Alcoholics Anonymous are church-going, God-believing people. However, there is no requirement to be Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, or anything else.
The label of “God” has an understood implication of a higher being. The same way that a friend may ask for a “Kleenex” when it may actually be Puffs. Or they way a friend will ask for “Chapstick” when it could be Blistex, Carmex, or Burt’s Bees. Everyone says “Chapstick”, and everyone knows what is implied.
Alcoholics Anonymous is not a religious organization. It is a group of people who gather in a room, to share their experience, strength, and hope. To help one another to get sober, stay sober, and live a healthy life. It is a group based entirely on unity.
It seems as though people will use this religious distaste as an excuse to condemn AA. The truth is that people everywhere everyday have differing religious beliefs. Maybe the most respected, successful business person has a different belief, does that mean that person can not offer valuable career advice? No. Should that person be discounted in their experience and personal knowledge because they don’t go to church on Sunday? No.
The fact is, the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. And getting sober and staying sober has nothing to do with church.