One of pro-AA author Dick B.’s more recent books is ‘The Conversion of Bill W.,’ a sadly misleading title considering everything AA cofounder Bill Wilson was involved in. In experiments in the 1950s, hoping alcoholics could be helped by LSD, Bill Wilson stated, “It is a generally acknowledged fact in spiritual development that ego reduction makes the influx of God’s grace possible. If, therefore, under LSD we can have a temporary reduction, so we can better see where we are going-well, that might be of some help. The goal might become clearer.”[21]
Call me legalistic, but LSD to facilitate “the influx of God’s grace” doesn’t sound all that Biblical.
Wilson’s explanation for choosing the triangle within the circle as AA’s symbol is equally pagan. In ‘Alcoholics Anonymous Comes Of Age,’ he writes, “That we have chosen this symbol is perhaps no mere accident. The priests and seers of antiquity regarded the circle enclosing the triangle as a means of warding off spirits of evil, and AA’s circle of Recovery, Unity, and Service has certainly meant all that to us and much more.”[22] See: http://www.worldviewtimes.com/article.php/articleid-3537/Brannon-Howse/John-Lanagan
There is a battle going on. The past, the actual nature of AA’s creation, has been presented as Christian. Although he received the 12 Steps from a familiar spirit, we have been told the 12 Steps are Biblical in origin. This is simply not so. Most would be absolutely astounded to discover what Bill Wilson, the man who “wrote” the 12 Steps, was involved in. See: http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/seances-spirits-and-12-steps/
Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, in rebellion against Christ, nevertheless loved their fellow alcoholics. But then, ultimately, what is love? Is love leading people away from eternity with the One True God?
You may have read about Bill Wilson’s drunken trek to the mission’s altar. Some have used this as “evidence” that he came to Christ. Yet Bill Wilson, of course, was never a Christian. Biographer Francis Hartigan was the secretary for Lois Wilson, Bill’s wife, for thirteen years. He had many conversations with Lois about Bill. He writes, ““[A.A. cofounder Bill Wilson's] belief in God might have become unshakeable, but he could never embrace any theology or even the divinity of Jesus, and he went to his grave unable to give his own personal idea of God much definition. In this sense, he was never very far removed from the unbelievers.”(Bold mine) –From ‘Bill W.’ by Francis Hartigan, pg. 123
Who is our God? Is He holy and righteous? Or just our good, good buddy, like the creature portrayed as “god” in The Shack? The enemy is clever. Although many Christians are wary of AA, the 12 Steps are considered necessary, so we still use them with Christ as “higher power.”
You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. (Leviticus 18:3)
T.A. McMahon, Editor of the Berean Call, writes, “A.A.’s official biography indicates Bill Wilson received the details of the 12 Steps through spirit dictation. Does anyone see a simple, idolatrous problem here?”
McMahon then addresses the well meaning effort to offer “Christ centered” 12 Step support groups. “But what about evangelicals just using the methodology the familiar spirit gave to Bill Wilson? Simple again: God condemns the source, and the approach is contrary to the way He wants to transform our lives. Furthermore, why turn to such a spiritually toxic system? Where are the evangelical pastors’ heads in this?”
In writing about all this, I have failed in several areas. Many Christians who participate and promote AA and the 12 Steps have no Fear of the Lord. Indeed, few Christians even think about God in these terms. Judgment, righteousness, wrath, these are not popular with people. But it is this very understanding of God that would keep us safe from incursions like the 12 Steps, and The Shack, and so much else. Hopefully, we can soon see how the Lord sees Himself through His Word.
While it has been necessary to show just what Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith really believed, and the various anti-Biblical activities they engaged in, it is time to deal with our understanding of the Biblical God. The God of grace and holiness. The 12 Steps never came from Christ, and are not blessed by our God. I will stand on that statement. It very much matters where they came from.
Writing about AA is like trying to peel layers from an onion. As a culture we have accepted many untruths. For instance, if you have been in AA you have certainly heard many times how only AA can help. This is not so. Yet you have never been warned about the emotional damage that people have suffered in AA.
This is why a non-believer has written the book, AA Horror Stories. This book has its share of profanity, as these are worldly people, but it also courageously tells what many suffer in 12 Step spirituality. So much unreported damage to people. AA has the media behind it, and education, and the courts. Even though AA has been ruled as religious by the U.S. Supreme Court, many still get mandated into 12 Step spirituality. So much for the Constitution.
It is amazing, also, the way Christians are portrayed in AA, how the church is supposedly cold and cruel and totally without understanding when it comes to dealing with alcoholics. And we have our pin-heads, no doubt about it. But AA has damaged many, while simultaneously convincing the culture it is the only hope.
Alcoholism is miserable. Do not hesitate to invite AA members to your church, and tell them of Christ. Love them as He loves them. We weren’t so wonderful ourselves. Remember? We still aren’t…but, incredibly, we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ…and this is the grace-filled Truth.
Hard Truth About Alcoholics Anonymous: http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2009/06/16/hard-truth-about-alcoholics-anonymous-2/
