While Alcoholics Anonymous has been known for helping millions of people overcome addiction to alcohol over the years, others have questioned the validity of the organization. For, there are some such as Charlie Sheen and others whom have suggested that AA is a cult. As such, these individuals often believe that rather than having helped in life, the impact and results have had far more negative effects.
In some cases, the people think Sheen is overreacting and that calling the organization a cult is a reach. Whereas, the actor is not the first to make such claims. For, as far back as the 1940s, sociologists were infiltrating the organization to prove whether such claims were true or false.
In fact, more than one reporter has questioned as to why the major media has no interest in investigating such claims. For, Sheen is not the first to make such claims. In fact, the question dates back to the 1940s. In an edition of the California Sociologist, L Allen Ragels reposed the question in an article titled Is Alcoholics Anonymous a Cult? An Old Question Revisited.
In the piece, the author discusses the results of a research project when two sociologists posted as AA members, obtaining sponsors, attending social gatherings and meeting and participating in all aspects of the program. The two even participated in the twelve step process while attempting to communicate with the generic higher power. As with other members, when the two could not communicate or connect with the so-called higher power, the two were told to follow the commands of upper level members and sponsors.
In more than one case, researchers and sociologist have determined that due to the methods of brainwashing used in the program, it is in fact a cult. For, any organization which demands an individual or members follow a specific path without regard for individual choice is often considered brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the universal act in most cults around the world, the researchers contend that AA is in alignment with such practices.
The information in the article also suggest that since AA is involved in brainwashing individuals to believe in a certain way, that is proof enough the group is a cult. While a compelling case, there are others whom will disagree, such as those whom showed such shock at the claims Charlie Sheen made about the organization. Still, there seems to be an overflowing amount of evidence which suggest that the author of the article, Sheen and the sociologists are most likely correct in such an assessment.
Even prior to the existing organization, the original group from which AA was born, The Oxford Group, had also been identified as a cult. For, both groups ask individuals to renounce self-will and surrender to a generic "Higher Power, " whether holding a belief in God or otherwise. Since most alcoholics lack the power to connect or communicate with this entity, individuals are told to follow the commands and orders of upper level AA members and sponsors.
Unlike the negative self-image being promoted by requiring members to vocalize weaknesses and short-comings to one another in a public forum, the earlier group provided one-on-one counseling. Whereas, while there are now sponsors whom members can contact for support, most of these individuals lack the education or knowledge to accurately counsel individuals beyond explaining why having a drink might not be such a good idea.
In some cases, the people think Sheen is overreacting and that calling the organization a cult is a reach. Whereas, the actor is not the first to make such claims. For, as far back as the 1940s, sociologists were infiltrating the organization to prove whether such claims were true or false.
In fact, more than one reporter has questioned as to why the major media has no interest in investigating such claims. For, Sheen is not the first to make such claims. In fact, the question dates back to the 1940s. In an edition of the California Sociologist, L Allen Ragels reposed the question in an article titled Is Alcoholics Anonymous a Cult? An Old Question Revisited.
In the piece, the author discusses the results of a research project when two sociologists posted as AA members, obtaining sponsors, attending social gatherings and meeting and participating in all aspects of the program. The two even participated in the twelve step process while attempting to communicate with the generic higher power. As with other members, when the two could not communicate or connect with the so-called higher power, the two were told to follow the commands of upper level members and sponsors.
In more than one case, researchers and sociologist have determined that due to the methods of brainwashing used in the program, it is in fact a cult. For, any organization which demands an individual or members follow a specific path without regard for individual choice is often considered brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the universal act in most cults around the world, the researchers contend that AA is in alignment with such practices.
The information in the article also suggest that since AA is involved in brainwashing individuals to believe in a certain way, that is proof enough the group is a cult. While a compelling case, there are others whom will disagree, such as those whom showed such shock at the claims Charlie Sheen made about the organization. Still, there seems to be an overflowing amount of evidence which suggest that the author of the article, Sheen and the sociologists are most likely correct in such an assessment.
Even prior to the existing organization, the original group from which AA was born, The Oxford Group, had also been identified as a cult. For, both groups ask individuals to renounce self-will and surrender to a generic "Higher Power, " whether holding a belief in God or otherwise. Since most alcoholics lack the power to connect or communicate with this entity, individuals are told to follow the commands and orders of upper level AA members and sponsors.
Unlike the negative self-image being promoted by requiring members to vocalize weaknesses and short-comings to one another in a public forum, the earlier group provided one-on-one counseling. Whereas, while there are now sponsors whom members can contact for support, most of these individuals lack the education or knowledge to accurately counsel individuals beyond explaining why having a drink might not be such a good idea.
About the Author:
Find out why AA is a cult by visiting our official site today. To learn more about the latest AA alternatives and other options in safe recovery, go to http://www.leavingaa.com/saferecovery now.