Ernie P on AA Membership: Do You Need God?
You know, I might believe that it's, you know, god that empowers me, and someone else might believe that it's the person sitting next to him in the room.
Ever wondered if you need to believe in God to be a part of Alcoholics Anonymous? In this episode of Beyond Belief Sobriety, Ernie P shares his experiences from the 2018 Northeast Regional AA Service Assembly, where he tackled the question 'Is God a Requirement for AA Membership?' His talk sparked quite a bit of controversy and opened up a broader discussion about the role of religion and spirituality in recovery.
Ernie walks us through his preparation for the talk, the audience's reactions, and the challenges faced by non-religious members of AA. He dives into AA's history and practices, shedding light on secular paths to recovery that cater to diverse beliefs. Ernie emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in recovery communities, making it clear that sobriety is attainable for everyone, regardless of their spiritual stance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of faith and recovery.