A.A. for lazy people?

So I received an encouaging comment from a person who left A.A., and I posted it. But I had to amend what I had written in response. The person wrote that “A.A. is a self-righteous program for lazy people who want to remain unaccountable.” I have no doubt this is what the person’s perception was in the A.A. groups she attended, and there are many, many different people in the twelve step program.

I myself was a lazy Christian for years. I just wanted to get fed, wasn’t really interested in serving.

People enter A.A. because they are desperate, and truly want to quit drinking; or because they are trying to appease an angry relative or employer; or because the court has ordered mandatory attendance. These are three of the reasons people go to A.A. There are others.

The person who wrote the comment made some valid and valuable points, which I really appreciate. In A.A. some stop drinking, think everything is fine, and that is where they remain.

But that one sentence concerning laziness was maybe too broad a brushstroke? The comment and my (amended) response are Here.

The thing is, I write hard things about the A.A. religion all the time. But the people, they are…well, just people. You can be as accountable or as unaccountable in A.A. as you care to be–which can also be said about all too many of our churches.

I love the A.A. people. This is a field with wolves aplenty (in the church, deceiving the church), and I fail when I respond in anger, frustration, or anything but love.

It is not that I expect many to agree with me. Truly, I do not. Alcoholics Anonymous  (as with contemplative Christianity and the emergent church) is part of what must happen before the end.

This blog will continue to unveil the syncretism of A.A., and will continue to correct the errant claims of pro-A.A. author Dick B. and others. Since any negative comment about A.A. is sure to offend someone, this blog will continue to be criticized. Fine and good, just as long as I do not respond harshly or with personal insults.

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. (Romans 12:17-18)