Talking to a friend today, I was reminded of a couple of things. One of them was “God”, the other “higher power”. He apparently was working with a new man, who did not believe in a God of any sort. He wondered how anyone can work the Steps without God.
For myself, I’ve never had a problem with this, when working with others. My sponsor didn’t. He never asked me what I believed in or did I believe anything. The only thing he ever did along that line was to instruct me to read the 4th Chapter in the BB; the chapter to the Agnostics.
I think, and I forgot to ask him, was what about spirituality? That is the foundation of these 12 Steps and this program. Again, I’ve never had a problem with others about this. To me it is whatever someone wants it to be. As long as they have some sense of this and as long as they have something other than themselves they depend upon. Whether that is the group, another person, or whatever “makes sense to them”.
My own experience is that much of whatever we might be hanging onto at the beginning of this program progresses and grows, as we do. I have talked to many, who have told me just this. One was an atheist at the beginning. Very militant. Over the years this all changed with his continued exposure to AA and trying his best to study and work this program. I’ve known people, who protested their agnostic beliefs, who grew into a belief in a God of their understanding or misunderstanding. All of them that I have known, who fumbled around with this subject of faith and belief, are probably the most spiritual people I have ever met. I have no doubt about that in my own mind.
The very fact of spirituality is the key. In fact, in the 4th Chapter it states that we either will choose to live a spiritual life or die an alcoholic death. I have witnessed the struggle these people have gone through within themselves. It has been palpable. I could almost reach out and touch it. Today, most of them have achieved a peace and a sense of serenity. Like I said, I have seen it and been exposed to their conversations with me.
In my own personal case, it has been much the same for me. I guess the point is that we all are sober and happy for the freedom from alcohol we have found in this program. But I think it is our own personal struggles, which makes each one of us tolerant of others and their quest for faith in something more powerful than themselves. It is the evidence of their continued sobriety over long periods, which is so impressive. Like so many of us, they have all gone through the bumps and grinds life hands us and have not taken a drink.
After that conversation with my friend I had to stop and think about this. I am glad that I did, because it brought back many memories, which make me grateful for knowing so many good people, who have been examples to me of what it means to be sober.