Beyond Belief Sobriety Podcast
AA Beyond Belief
Episode 183: A Brief History of Secular AA
Episode 183: A Brief History of Secular AA
Episode 183: A Brief History of Secular AA
Sunday 30th August 2020
Join Joe C., Angela, and John as they explore the history and evolution of secular AA groups on Beyond Belief Sobriety.
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61 minutes
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Get the buttons here!Tracing the Roots of Secular AA: A Historical Journey
I think the traditions aren't something that newer people are aware of because we don't talk about them a lot within our online communities, and so that might be something if people are interested in doing is setting up maybe some zoom meetings that look at the traditions, because they're still step meetings. But within the secular community we don't do the traditions a lot, and I think one of the reasons for that is most of the meetings I know that are step and tradition meetings use the and, and so that's why they go over the traditions, because it's, you know, combined in one book and we don't do that.
How did secular AA groups come to be, and what role have they played in addiction recovery? In this episode of Beyond Belief Sobriety, Angela and John sit down with Joe C. from Rebellion Dogs Radio to unravel the intriguing history of secular AA meetings. Recorded live on YouTube and Facebook, this conversation dives into the origins, key figures, and milestones that have shaped the secular AA movement over the decades.
The story begins in the 1970s with Roger C., who gave a groundbreaking talk titled 'An Agnostic in AA: How It Works for Me' at a Unitarian Universalist church in Chicago. This speech inspired many to start their own secular AA meetings. Fast forward to the 1980s, and Harry from California moved to New York City, igniting the creation of the first agnostic AA meeting there. Communication has always been a cornerstone of secular AA's growth.
In Hollywood, California, Dorothy H. and Pam W. attended meetings at the Hollywood We Agnostics Group, started by Charlie P. Their enthusiasm and word-of-mouth efforts helped spread the concept far and wide. The advent of technology has further accelerated this growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Zoom meetings connecting people globally. Service within secular AA is another vital component that often goes unnoticed. The focus here is less on spirituality and more on community support and helping others.
This sense of belonging can be a powerful tool in anyone's recovery journey. While secular AA has made significant strides, there's still work to be done. Many newcomers are unaware of AA traditions, which aren't often discussed in online settings. The hosts suggest creating Zoom meetings focused on these traditions to help new members better understand their roles. Additionally, there's a need for more secular AA meetings in rural areas where access to in-person gatherings is limited.
This episode offers a comprehensive look at the history and evolution of secular AA, providing valuable insights for anyone seeking an alternative path to sobriety. Tune in to learn how communication, technology, and service have shaped this community and discover the power of belonging in addiction recovery.