Should
Alcoholics Anonymous
Be Destroyed?
Bruce A. Johanson
From: "Bruce A. Johanson"
To: Positive Atheism <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: WebMaster:_Positive_Atheism_Index
Date: Saturday, December 11, 1999 10:57 PM
I just found your site and added it to my favorites as there sooo much to read. I agree with the vast majority of what you believe about AA and write about. I have been in AA for 20 years now and still am. However I do believe it to be a religion and cultic. I do not believe it is for everyone but has worked for me where RT [REBT?] didn't. I was in a Chem. Dep. program (to become a counselor) and had to get out as I could not tolerate the vast majority going into the field. They would say screwed up stuff like "OK, I will learn that alternative for the test and then I will forget it!"
In my meetings I often say things that are bristled at like when talking about the chapter to spouses I call it Bills Biggest con ever. A drunk pretending to be his own spouse and telling others how to handle the drunk! I mean really! (laugh)
I do take exception that you think AA needs to be destroyed ( I hope I read that correctly) as I do think there is a need. Yet the alternatives need to be gotten out as well. I do the best I can at meetings I go to and sometimes with success. Sometimes you can just tell a person is miserable and wants another option. I do not believe in the theory that AA is all and there are no viable alternatives. I think we all can remember how the Treatment field went crazy with the first Rand study so many years ago!
I could go on but it is past my bedtime (laugh) and I did want to say thanks and also give my few cents worth.
Bruce A. Johanson
From: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
To: "Bruce A. Johanson"
Subject: Re: WebMaster:_Positive_Atheism_Index
Date: Sunday, December 12, 1999 5:51 AM
I never said that AA needs to be destroyed. I do advocate relegating it to its proper place: back to the church basements -- not dictating policy and redefining medical practice.
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
Material by Cliff Walker (including unsigned editorial commentary) is copyright ©1995-2006 by Cliff Walker. Each submission is copyrighted by its writer, who retains control of the work except that by submitting it to Positive Atheism, permission has been granted to use the material or an edited version: (1) on the Positive Atheism web site; (2) in Positive Atheism Magazine; (3) in subsequent works controlled by Cliff Walker or Positive Atheism Magazine (including published or posted compilations). Excerpts not exceeding 500 words are allowed provided the proper copyright notice is affixed. Other use requires permission; Positive Atheism will work to protect the rights of all who submit their writings to us.