12 Step Recovery – God….Relax – It’s Just A Word

A few days ago I had the great fortune of hearing Neale Donald Walsch, the author of the series of books entitled Conversations With God speak at an event. Walsch, who was animated, intelligent, and humorous, offered an interesting perspective on the world we lived in and asked a very provocative question which I, in turn, wish to ask you, “Our society has attempted to solve our problems with political, economic, and military solutions, with little success. Is it not time for us to turn to a spiritual solution?”

This statement may open the door to another problem involving the separation of church and state. And it seems that for any group to exercise its religious beliefs will only anger others. Therefore, it seems sensible to be politically correct to avoid any discussion of religion and politics altogether. And I agree. However, by steering clear of the spiritual possibilities suggested by Walsch we may also be closing the door to potential solutions our society desperately needs.

While some may see religion and spirituality as being one in the same thing I, and millions of other 12 Step advocates, have come to see a significant difference between the two. Religion, in my mind, invites those of similar understanding, to come together to believe as one. We therefore, have Christians who have a common set of beliefs coming together in one tent, Muslims in another, Jews in another, etc. Religion gives people a choice in what to believe and then divides the global population according to those beliefs with each group suggesting that if you believe as we believe you may enter our tent and be one with us.

Spirituality, as offered in 12 Step programs, suggest that you may believe whatever you wish to believe and that is perfectly alright with us. We have one big tent and there is room for everyone, together, regardless of what you believe. We only ask that you allow each and every one to believe as they wish and please do not try to force your beliefs on others. And it is for this reason that spiritual programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous have been so successful in transforming the lives of millions of people all over the world, regardless of religion.

We are all products of the environments which have spawned our individual belief systems. And because a belief in a Higher Power, or God as you understand Him, is the spiritual foundation of 12 Step programs, those who cannot develop an understanding of a Higher Power struggle, often prematurely drinking or drugging themselves into an early grave, because they just can’t get the “God thing”. How does one word, which offers hope and salvation to so many, become the anchor which drags down so many others? What is it about God that creates so much anxiety?

Just over 20 years ago I faced a major turning point in my life. I realized I needed to make some major changes and I sought help from a 12 Step fellowship where it was suggested I start praying. “To what?” I asked. And I smile as I recall the response, “Never mind what! Just get on your knees and start talking.” I didn’t like my options but knew that if I didn’t change my days were numbered. In that moment I realized that if the millions who had gone before me had experienced significant changes in their lives as a result of these Steps, why couldn’t I? That was how it began and it has evolved into the greatest gift I have ever been given. And today, years later, I do not subscribe to any particular religion, nor do I attend any church. But I have this incredible, very personal, and often humorous relationship with God as I understand Him. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Yesterday in a discussion with a friend who is a drug and alcohol abuse counsellor I was reminded of the power of our beliefs. He informed me that the most difficult issue many of his clients face is coming to believe in a “Power greater than themselves which will restore them to sanity.” Unfortunately many find themselves unable to make the necessary changes which grant them sobriety because they could not open their minds to a concept which has already worked for millions who were desperate for change.

The point of this exercise is simple: Those who create war for profit do so by turning one group against another. Religion, while doing a tremendous amount of good work in our world, is often used to divide us and is, at times, at the center of our differences when man goes to war; while spirituality brings us together, regardless of belief.  And war divides, while peace brings us together.

I have stood together with 50,000 happy and contented people in recovery who came from all over the world and were once as insane as I was. And in 20 years of attending 12 Step meetings all over the world nobody has ever denied me admittance due to the color of my skin or my political or religious beliefs.  The 12 Steps not only create peace, but we have this very big tent and there is room for everyone.