Why is "God" a dirty word?

[NickP3]

Okay, I'm new to AA (4 months and counting). So, I'm sure that I'm a bit dense. And, I understand that each person needs to choose a path that's comfortable -- Catholic, Methodist, agnostic, Muslim, Jew, or whatever. I'm fine with that. Despite the deep Christian and specifically Catholic threads in the AA past, this program is for all. It does seem to help people move toward greater spirituality and trust in a so-called "Higher Power."

Pre-AA, when discussing religion with friends and associates of all faiths the word "God" (or "god") seemed to work as well for Muslims as for Jews as for Unitarians. But, in AA, at least some of the meetings I frequent, the largely-unwieldy "Higher Power" is the way to go. I have no wish to proselytize, but is something awful going to happen if we use English in our discourse?

I'm guessing that I'm missing something. Can anyone help?

[cmc]

Hi Nick, welcome to SR! I'm so glad you decided to come to this forum and share.

I appreciate it when I'm in my Al-Anon meeting that I am 'given' the freedom to express my spirituality, however...I do that with respect to those who may have a different concept of who, or what 'God' is to them.

It used to be a stumbling block for me but I got over it when I realized that God hasn't forgotten who He is. He has lots of names listed in the bible and He will answer to any or all. I think He answers to any cry of the heart.

For those who don't know the same god that I do- it's fine by me since it's not my business- especially in rooms of recovery to toot my horn or try to 'save' them.

These days I leave the saving up to God and stay available to share Him with those who want to know about what the bible has to say, or what I believe.

It's nice to meet you. btw...in most all of my meetings- people are free to use the word 'god' and nobody seems to mind because we all respect each others ideas about faith and spirituality.

[Astro]

Hi Nick, and welcome to SR. I'm not sure I understand your question, but I'll do my best. Are you wondering why we use the words "Higher Power" rather than saying God at an AA meeting? (And for the record, most meetings I attend have no issue with saying God, but occasionally it raises someones fur)

From the chapter "We Agnostics" in the Big Book, page 45.......

That means we have written a book which we believe to be spiritual as well as moral. And it means, of course, that we are going to talk about God. Here difficulty arises with agnostics. Many times we talk to a new man and watch his hope rise as we discuss his alcoholic problems and explain our fellowship. But his face falls when we speak of spiritual matters, especially when we mention God, for we have re-opened a subject which our man thought he had neatly evaded or entirely ignored.

We know how he feels. We have shared his honest doubt and prejudice. Some of us have been violently anti-religious. To others, the word 'God' brought up a particular idea of Him with which someone had tried to impress them during childhood. Perhaps we rejected this particular conception because it seemed inadequate. With that rejection we imagined we had abandoned the God idea entirely.

I know I had some issues with God when I walked into AA, I was damning Him for not answering my selfish prayers and giving me the life I wanted. What I didn't realize was that God would give me a life that's so much better than I dreamed it would be. So for me, the use of the words Higher Power is an easier, softer, universal term that doesn't strike fear when some people hear it.

[NickP3]

Astro and CMC, thanx for the greetings and the replies. I'm excited to have found your community, and looking forward to learning and growing with you.

As for the "god" thing, I'm probably being oversensitive. I've never heard anyone outside of a meeting say, "Thank Higher Power," "Higher Power dammit," nor "God-as-we-understand-him willing."

On the flip side, we all have our stresses, hot buttons, and baggage. I hope that I am and will continue to focus with goodwill on helping others and accommodating their needs and interests.

When all is said and done, I've been gravitating to meetings where people don't feel compelled to denigrate organized religion (I'm an RC). I have no problem with agnostics or atheists, and no plans to force my views on them. I pray for their recovery within AA. I merely wish to be in an environment where no one chooses to force his views on me...

[Astro]

RC = Reborn Christian? Nick, have you ever heard of or tried Celebrate Recovery? http://www.celebraterecovery.com/ Excellent program, I highly recommend it

[NickP3]

Would "papist" be more direct?

Thanks again for the help and support!

[Astro]

Ah, OK! Thanks for clarifying!

[Dee74]

The way I look at it, HP is a more inclusive term - it allows those who don't believe in 'God'
or those who want to believe in the group (or whatever else) as their higher power, the space to do that.

The important part is the surrender and admitting we're not the be all and end all.

I'm not bothered. Like cmc says, God hasn't forgotten who He is.

D

[Gypsy Feet]

I am one of those still afraid of God, and as such I have never been to a meeting. So I reckon I am the drunk AA was trying not to scare away, even if Higher Power hasn't had the desired effect for me=)

[NickP3]

Lisa, you're right! My sensibilities (ego?) are far less important than making sure that AA is welcoming to all who need help. I need a bit more humility and a bit more compassion!

Someone at my Monday meeting noted: "Fear comes from a lack of faith."