I've been sober a long time just using the fellowship and the 12 steps of AA as my higher power. I must admit it was quite a battle to overcome the religious brain washing the was instilled in me growing up. I just had to zero in on the concept of only a power greater than myself. I also believe that standing my ground against some of the religious zeolites found in AA made me a better person. I'm not in AA to appease them, I'm here for me to get better.