It feels wrong to sit through a meeting and hear Happy Easter repeated throughout the meeting. It makes me feel as if AlAnon is aligned with one religion. I know it's not. I want newcomers to know everyone is welcome, including people who do not celebrate Easter.

I can't tell if I'm borrowing distress where none exists. I'm uncomfortable, nonetheless.

Jill 

 

I guess I have learned to ignore all the holiday and worldly tradition stuff. But I do see your point. AA and /or alanon are to be totally neutral as far as religion. I myself do not participate in worldly holidays. This is a really interesting topic. I will be interested in what comes up!! love,debilyn

IMO, we all have our own HP's in many forms.  I'm willing to accept reference to any and all.   "Take what you need, and leave the rest" is the motto I've seen over and over.

AA/and Alanon are neutral, because of that, they don't control the religions of the people who need help through them.  That is why they use the word "Higher Power".  It means God, Allah, Jehovah etc.  Personally, it wouldn't bother me in the least to hear "Happy Hanukkuh." 

We are diverse in our religeons, but working toward the same end goal.

Christy

Religion: "4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith" (Webster). Sounds like a description of the different 12-step programs as with Al-anon. No one seems to mind when reference to a Higher Power is so often mentioned and promoted. I have my personal set of principals and beliefs about God that are not base on any organized group religious or secular. My beliefs are not base on any of the organized 12-step groups also. I often refer to my beliefs because it is I. It is my opinion that it is okay for people to announce their religious holidays no matter religious group affiliation or days of celebration. A lot of A.A.'s big book is based on the Christian Bible. Maybe one who strongly disagrees with Christian ideology could find a group that is not based on the Bible at all. I myself am not a traditional Christian. I do believe that God is in everything and is everything as stated in the Bible but not the origin of my belief. I do not let my beliefs stop me doing my 12-step program, which for me is only one-step: growing mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. I would object if some person or people evangelized Christianity or any other particular religion. I do not even like it when many evangelize that God is a higher power only. I do not like it when abusers abuse innocence telling them they must get on there knees in order for the 12-step program to work. I have not submitted or surrender to a God or higher power. I have come to recognize that I am my God and my God is I. I believe this about the physical world with all its life and non-life including all human spiritual beings. I surely do not care much that anyone agrees with me nor do I need anyone to join me in my beliefs. Hmm, I just entrained the thought, that I might start leaving A.A. tables just prior to the expected and traditional hand holding and reciting of the Christian Lord's prayer when the tables close… maybe not… I going to have to wait for that particular only moment that I am living in.

Hugs & Luv,

-- Edited by richard at 09:49, 2005-03-28

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!

 Personally, I don't think anyone is trying to force their religious beliefs on anyone, they are just wishing their friends happiness. I come here for help, emotional health, and most of all, serenity through the help of others by sharing their experiences.

Wars have been, and are being, fought over religious beliefs and differences. I hope nothing like that happens here. We all need each other, we all need a break from the everyday stresses in our lives. I don't really care why somwone is wishing me happiness,just that that is what someone is wishing for me. I recieved a Happy Easter email this weekend, and it meant a lot to me, that someone took the time and thought of me, so, this is a Happy Monday greeting to everyone out there!!

PS, please don't be offended, this is not sarcasm, it is a heartfelt greeting, TLC

I'm catholic, although not a strong one.  I think that it's wonderful to celebrate each holiday, no matter whose religion.  We have sooo much tradegy, sometimes, that I view anyone's wish, whether I believe their way or not, as a good thing.  I personally am not offended by anyone's warm good religious wishes.  I'll take anyone's good thoughts, good views, or good wishes.  I know they aren't excluding my religion, or forcing their views on me.  Although, I know we all don't feel that way.  So usually I say "Happy Easter to all those who celebrate it" and "Happy wishes to those who don't" 

If people refer to God, instead of their Higher Power, well, this too does not offend me.  .  Although, I do not see God as my higher power.  I just am glad they found their higher power.  I feel they have the 1st amentment to speak their views, or wishes.  I know they aren't forcing their opinoins on me.  I guess as long as they say, "I belive in....." it doesn't bother me.  It would if they'd say, "you should believe" or "you should pray on your knees".  Again I am pretty open to others, so long as there is good thought, meaning, behind it.

To each his or her own.   Variety is what makes us interesting.   

Hi Jill , don't complicate things for yourself If it offends anyone they can speak up. In our opening  it says that we will find help wether we are of a particual religious faith or of none both are welcome in oour meetings. Easy does it Jill.

Interesting topic to bring up. That very subject came to life at a f2f meeting this week. Although I'm not familiar with the Unitarian faith, a first-timer mentioned her reluctance to attend an Al Anon meeting because of her perception that the Christian ideals were the primary source of the God mentioned in our program. Of course we explained to her that the program is based on the God of her understanding. But it made me step back and reflect on how our meetings may look to an "outsider." Living in a fairly religious, Christian-dominated city, I think we make assumptions that most people live the Christian faith and thus, we don't think to make accomodations unless it is brought up. Not that it is done maliciously. I would hate to think a Buddhist or a Muslim or an agnostic or an atheist avoided the program because of their perceptions and our assumption that everyone understands they are welcome, regardless of religion, or creed, or beliefs. I don't have any suggestions on how to deal with this, but I do plan to bring it up as a meeting topic soon. Everyone should have the same opportunity to find the sanity and serenity I have found in the program, no matter their religious affiliation.

thanks everyone.

Yes I can take it easy.  And yes, I want alanon available to everyone. I love it that althought I don't voice it clearly, my thoughts resound in the community. I am really home!

jill