I understand, Mark, and I honestly wasn't trying to be combative! I agree that there are some universal truths and concepts in recovery. I bet you and I could agree all day long on lots of things.
And I do see some similarities between some of the things 12 step would have us do, and some of the things that CBT and other non-spiritual approaches would have us do. Things like: not taking the first drink, playing the tape through to the end, learning to recognize when we are being jerks, changing our behaviors towards others...and, yes, learning to look at ourselves critically but also kindly. Regardless of the ultimate goal, whether to empower oneself or to connect with a Higher Power, those things are helpful.