Clay,
Thanks for your post. I could've written the exact same thing a year ago. And that is proof for me. AA can work for those of us who do not fall under the umbrella of organized religion because our experiences can help others.
As for the word GOD.
Quote:
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When, therefore, we speak of God, we mean your own conception of God. This applies, too, to other spiritual expressions which you find in this book.
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(Alcoholics Anonymous, pg 47).
The word God is used as a spiritual expression. The spiritual experience offered by the 12 steps does not predict the outcome. In other words, it promises a spiritual experience to those who take the steps, but it doesn't mandate the type of experience one will have.
The last "pertinent idea" in "How It Works," is:
That God could and would if He were sought.
If he were sought,
not if he were found.
For me, spirituality is that journey. Tomorrow I will have been sober for 1 year. I wouldn't call myself anything at this point, as that would mean I've arrived, and thus far I love the journey and where it takes me off the beaten path. I'm free.
All quotes from AA 1st Ed.