Breaking Down the 12 Steps: An Atheist's Journey Through 'How It Works'
I hope that, even though that section of the book was very, very reliant on the fact that you have to have this higher power in order to even do this stuff, that you're able to look past that and see that deep down the moral psychology which I've mentioned before.
Ever wondered how the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous fit into a secular approach to recovery? Josh C, an atheist and recovering alcoholic, tackles this question head-on in this episode of 'An Atheist Reads the Big Book of AA'. Josh dives into the 'How It Works' chapter from the Big Book, a staple in traditional AA meetings. He questions the value of these rituals and their relevance in modern recovery.
What do the 12 steps really mean, and can they be effective without a religious framework? Josh shares his thoughts on sponsorship, reflecting on his own experience of finding a new sponsor after 2.5 years. He discusses the importance of having the right sponsor and how this relationship can impact your recovery journey. The episode doesn't shy away from tough topics like self-centeredness, ego, and resentment.
Josh emphasizes the need for taking personal inventory and making amends, drawing connections between writing and recovery. He also touches on the complexities of interpersonal relationships and how sex can sometimes complicate things unnecessarily. This episode is a deep dive into the mechanics of AA from a non-religious perspective, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating sobriety without traditional spiritual beliefs. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging discussion that might just change the way you see the 12 steps.