A Message About God and Hope for Deanna of Gamblers Anonymous
Posted: Saturday, January 09, 2010
by Richard Burns, J.D.
Dick B.
Congratulations to Deanna of California on her article. In today's diverse 12 step and anonymous fellowships, there are a host of what I call nonsense gods that fall under the category of "higher power" as it is used by so many in recovery. Over a twenty year period of research and writing on the Biblical history and roots of A.A., and as an active recovered member, I have documented perhaps a hundred ridiculous names for a higher power that have been used in meetings, in literature, by professionals, in treatment, and occasionally even by clergy. Here are some: My higher power is a light bulb, a chair, a radiator, a table, the back end of a city bus, Santa Claus, Something, Somebody, "It," Gertrude, Ralph, the Big Dipper, the Great Pumpkin, a Coke Bottle, a door knob, a rock, a group, a Group Of Drunks, Good Orderly Direction, and on and on and on. But whether you are a gambler or a drunk, it defies reason to pass along a message that you can get down on your knees, pray to a chair, and expect to be delivered from your affliction, addiction, or life-controlling problem. Let alone seek release from a rock or a light bulb. Psalm 115 dealt with that point centuries ago, and it's a good read for anyone in recovery. Today, neither A.A. nor any significant number of recovery movements can be called "Christian." Moreover, all invite atheists, humanists, agnostics, unbelievers, Buddhists, and folks of all religious persuasions, or none. So I would say to Deanna, "Good for you." In A.A., at least, most of us are brain damaged enough at the beginning to swallow most of the nonsense we hear in meetings or are told by counselors. Perhaps those in GA are fortunate enough not to be lambasted with nonsense in their most tender, goofy, early days. But there is still room for God, for seeking His help, and for receiving it-wherever you find yourself out of control. That can be at a card table, a slot machine, a bar, a liquor store, a porn flik, a drug dealer's quarters, prison, a homeless group, church, a hospital, treatment, rehab, or a therapist's office. As for me, I needed all the help I could get almost twenty-four years ago. And I received it by turning to God for help and trying never to turn my back on a drunk who wanted to get straightened out, whatever his or her belief system. First comes surrender, then follows the choice as to what help to seek
This Article has been viewed 102 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.