SuperstarNeilC
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Is AA, alcoholics anonymous the mother of all cults in America ?
Alcoholics Anonymous
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Karakorum
千差万別
I'm not sure I'd call AA a cult... but from what I learned, some of their group techniques are similar to cult tactics.
But in the end, they aren't a destructive group. They aren't trying to rob you out of your money, your labor, your kids etc.
Could some local AA leader turn these techniques around and use them as coercive control towards destructive means (ie: sex from troubled female members)? Sure.
So in a long-winded way... I do not think AA is a cult, though I can see how some local AA groups might end up being operated as a cult if the wrong people are in charge.
AA is based in spiritual faith.
Christianity at its roots, but faith in general.
In the 12 steps it is required that you surrender to your higher being to help you with your healing, otherwise it doesn't work
That's where the cultic bit creeps in, I guess.
I agree that it is a beneficial kind of cult. It isn't about dominating the person or exercising control over them.
As part of the group you are free to come and go as you please. Perhaps one of the better parts is that you get to keep control over your wallet.
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pineapple
能说的名字不真的名字
And even if it were a cult (AFAIK it's not), why would it be "the mother of all cults in America"? AA started in the 1930's. The Mormons and JW's, which are much more cult-like, are much earlier in time, going back to the 19th century. And there are probably other cult-like movements which are that old or older.
So, to make a long story short, NO.
So, to make a long story short, NO.
The fore runners of AA were the Temperance Bands of the 1800s that hung around outside places of ill repute playing good and God fearing music. They were usually made up of reforming alcoholics who embraced God's words.And even if it were a cult (AFAIK it's not), why would it be "the mother of all cults in America"? AA started in the 1930's. The Mormons and JW's, which are much more cult-like, are much earlier in time, going back to the 19th century. And there are probably other cult-like movements which are that old or older.
So, to make a long story short, NO.
The other main treatments were in mental asylums. Both were really not very successful at all.
Carl Jung and other psychiatrists of the day also tried to create therapies to cure or handle them and did not fare too well there either.
So Christian groups stepped back in with the central theme revolving around committing oneself to God and his care. Many say without that, it simply doesn't work. I think it revolves with surrendering yourself to a higher power, because you are not strong enough on you own.
For those of you interested, here is the general story around AA.
Lee #28
Well-known member
Doesn't one "surrender" oneself to Scientology also.....
Such as in the KSW series at the front of every Course..... in that ( paraphrased ) "the work has been done"... just have to follow the path laid out.... Source thing....
Even if one reserves his or hers own judgement.....until a bit further along.....and the well....I'll see.....one gets in deeper and deeper...
Such as in the KSW series at the front of every Course..... in that ( paraphrased ) "the work has been done"... just have to follow the path laid out.... Source thing....
Even if one reserves his or hers own judgement.....until a bit further along.....and the well....I'll see.....one gets in deeper and deeper...
Yes, but the difference lies in the outcomes.
In Scientology, the outcome is not great.
SuperstarNeilC
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