[toad]

I have a question for those who go to AA. The AA Preamble states in the first sentence "Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism." The AA preamble is read at most AA meeting, right after the serenity prayer.

My question is if Jesus Christ is part of my "experience, strenght and hope." should I not mention this?

Another question: Should someone be allowed to tell me that I cannot share certain parts of my "experience, strength and hope?"

I very seldom share about Jesus at meetings, too much good AA recovery stuff to share that is more helpful. But, I attend meeting where some people will mention Jesus. They don't say that if you don't accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior you will go to Hell. They just mention Jesus as being their Higher Power. I think that very few AA's I know would tolerate someone to preach at an AA meeting. Even Christian AA's with some sobriety know this.

We have a joker who had 28 years sober and relapsed. He stayed out there for about 4 years, and accumilated 4 DWI's. He has maybe a few months under his belt at this time. He does not seem to be working the steps and is suffering (in my opinion) from untreated alcoholism. He is restless, irritable, and discontented. He complains about Christians being in meetings who mention Jesus. He even says that "amen" should not be said.

After 10 years 9 1/2 months in recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous, I would like to snatch him up by the short hairs and give him a serious tongue lashing.

I am working on feeding and allowing my resent to grow......I know this.

I just don't think that some joker should be able to tell me that I cannot share parts of my experience, strength and hope.

Thanks for letting me rant..............I feel a little better after being able to see my feelings in print........thanks for the meeting.