One Big Tent. Группа авторов

the doors of AA ever-wider for the steady stream of newcomers looking to AA for help. Recognizing the amazing flexibility and inclusivity of the program, in Chapter Two Carmen C. shares that “Religious and agnostic alike love Alcoholics Anonymous. It is proof that the program is spiritual and not a religion—and it does not interfere with religious or agnostic beliefs. It just lets us recover from alcoholism’s misery and be well.”

      Still, some atheists, agnostics and nonbelievers can feel like outsiders. “It’s unpopular to be an atheist,” writes C.C. in Chapter Three’s story “Closet Atheist,” “and not every atheist admits it openly. So let’s not run the agnostic or the rationalist off, back to the world of drinking.”

      Working together within an AA group provides the solution for many alcoholics—whatever their beliefs—leading the way to sobriety. “I’ve met opposition for my beliefs,” writes Cara A. in the story “My Search” in Chapter Four. “I’ve also had people have the utmost gratitude to know they’re not alone and that we can stay sober regardless of what we believe or don’t believe. I’ve sponsored Buddhists, Christians, agnostics and those who are in the process of discovering. … For me, the beauty of sobriety is that I can learn from everyone and anyone.”

      Chapter Five focuses on the many elements of AA that hold us together in unity. “As I went through the Steps, I came to believe in a higher purpose, not a higher being,” writes Alex M. in “God On Every Page.” “My higher purpose is to live by the principles of the Steps. The power I draw on is that unsuspected inner resource which makes me willing on a daily basis to strive for honesty, integrity, compassion, tolerance, humility, love and service.” These are the hallmarks of sobriety, available to each of us in AA as we recognize our common suffering and pursue, ever more fully, our common solution.