Questions and Answers on Sponsorship (contd)

The AA (General Service conference approved) booklet: Questions and Answers on Sponsorship)

Extract:

“When newcomers resist “the spiritual side” of the program, what can sponsors do?

First of all, we can relax and remember that sponsorship does not mean forcing any specific interpretation of A.A. upon newcomers. Most men and women who have been in A.A. for more than a few months recognize that its program is based on spiritual principles. At the same time, they appreciate that alcoholics have been able to achieve and maintain sobriety without any belief in a personal Higher Power.

Perhaps the sponsor might point out the distinction between the words “spiritual” and “religious.” As our Preamble says, A.A. is not allied with any sect or denomination, and no sort of religious belief is required for membership — only “a desire to stop drinking.” On the other hand, the help offered by our program is certainly neither material nor physical; we do not offer money or medicine — only ideas and the A.A. love of one alcoholic for another. In this sense, the entire program, rather than just a “side” of it, may be called “spiritual,” and almost any newcomer can appreciate a concept so broadly defined.”

(our emphases)

Comment: Yep! We're all for the 'relaxing' bit! Easy Does It etc. You'll note no doubt this approach is a complete antithesis to the cult's. In the latter case not only is the programme forced down the newcomer's throat but usually the belief system of the sponsor (so-called) as well! Only last week we heard directly from a 'newbie' who'd approached a cult 'wise guy' (much to the horror of everyone around him) only to be told by the latter that he held an 'orthodox' approach to the God concept and that the 'victim' (sorry ….. sponsee) would be expected to adopt the same viewpoint. We're delighted to report the 'rookie' declined the 'contract'! Each individual's concept of a Higher Power (or no Higher Power) is their business and no one else's! If you want to impose your views on others then jog on!

But remember: a sponsor is NOT ESSENTIAL to recovery. And NO sponsorship is better by far than BAD sponsorship!

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

(to be continued)

PS Remember! According to the cult: resistance is futile! (see Borg)