Faith in A.A. first, Christ second

In 1941, Jack Alexander of the Saturday Evening Post wrote the article that provided AA its first national publicity. Describing AA’s “higher power,” Alexander noted the alcoholic “may choose to think of his Inner Self, the miracle of growth, a tree, man’s wonderment at the physical universe, the structure of the atom, or mere mathematical infinity. Whatever form is visualized, the neophyte is taught that he must rely on it and, in his own way, to pray to the Power for strength.”

“What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, Or an image, a teacher of falsehood? For its maker trusts in his own handiwork when he fashions speechless idols. Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, ‘Awake.’ To a mute stone, ‘Arise!’ And that is your teacher?” (Habakkuk 2:18-19) 

Christians in A.A. tend to worship the A.A. experience–it is very much an idol. Indeed, this is programmed into believer and non-believer alike. This is not meant to aggravate–but please consider.  Has this happened to you?

 From the very first meeting a faith in A.A. is established through testimony, Big Book readings and other means.

The result, for all too many Christians, is a transference of faith. Jesus may be the “higher power” (a tremendous insult, albeit unintentional, to call the Holy One this), but in hearts and minds it is really A.A. that has given sobriety. Christians in A.A. are, in fact, afraid to face sobriety without the 12 Step program.

No one admits this. No one talks about this. But this is a very real thing that happens to many, many believers.  Faith is in A.A. first and faith in  Jesus second. A transference of faith from Christ to A.A. is every bit as offensive to our Lord as those who worship false gods.

And now, incredibly, the onslaught accelerates. The all-gods religion of Alcoholics Anonymous is being held in Bible Believing churches. …they have set their detestable things in the house which is called by My name to defile it. (Jeremiah  7:30)