Joe C
Joe C
We Agnostics Panel 2015 Atlanta
We Agnostics Panel 2015 Atlanta
We Agnostics Panel 2015 Atlanta
Wednesday 18th June 2025
Explore the diverse voices of agnostics in AA, highlighting inclusivity, spirituality, and personal recovery journeys at the 2015 Atlanta Convention.
58 minutes
hopeful
informative
inclusive
reflective
supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Joe C
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Categories:
Religion & Spirituality
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Creative Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Get the buttons here!Agnostic Voices at AA: Embracing Diversity
Episode Overview
- Agnostic perspectives enrich AA's diversity.
- Inclusivity in AA fosters a supportive environment.
- Spirituality in AA transcends traditional beliefs.
- Shared experiences strengthen the community.
- Personal journeys highlight unique recovery paths.
AA's Open Door Policy shows the hesitant, the gun-shy, agnostic-minded, a portal to freedom as wide as the horizon.
In 2015, the International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous took place in Atlanta, gathering 60,000 attendees under the theme '80 years – Happy, Joyous and Free.' Among the diverse array of panels, the We Agnostics Panel stood out, featuring compelling personal stories from speakers Diggins, Big Mike, and Jeff Y. This panel addressed the unique experiences of agnostics within AA, shedding light on how inclusivity and openness are integral to the organization's ethos.
Diggins, who identifies as both an alcoholic and an agnostic, shared a deeply personal narrative about his journey within AA. He highlighted how his beliefs shifted from a supernatural understanding to an agnostic perspective, a transformation that occurred within the supportive confines of AA. For Diggins, AA provided a sanctuary where he could focus on sobriety without the constant burden of existential despair.
His candid reflections emphasized the importance of honesty and connection, revealing that the true power of AA lies in its community rather than any prescribed belief system. The panel also explored how AA's open-door policy accommodates a wide range of beliefs, making the program accessible to atheists, agnostics, and believers alike. This inclusivity is crucial, as it allows individuals to connect over shared struggles rather than differing spiritual ideologies.
The panelists advocated for a move beyond mere tolerance towards a loving acceptance of all members, irrespective of their spiritual or religious beliefs. The conversation underscored a significant challenge facing AA today: embracing the growing number of individuals who identify as having no religious affiliation, as highlighted by recent Pew Research findings.
The speakers emphasized that AA's strength lies in its ability to unite people through the common experience of addiction and recovery, rather than dividing them based on belief systems. Ultimately, the message from the We Agnostics Panel was one of hope and unity. By focusing on the core principles of AA—shared suffering and mutual support—the organization can continue to evolve and remain a beacon of hope for all seeking recovery, regardless of their spiritual or philosophical standpoint.