Determining whether or not an organization is involved in cultish practices can often be difficult. When it comes to whether or not AA is a cult, there are mixed feelings. For, while Charlie Sheen and others have suggested this is the case, there are others both inside and outside the organization whom disagree.
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.
An author, L Allen Ragels even reposed the question in an article in the popular periodical, The California Sociologist. In the article, the author reviewed the position of two sociologists whom after posing as alcoholics and participating in every area of the program determined that such claims were true.
The piece discusses the findings when two sociologists posed as alcoholics and infiltrated the organization. Each individual attended meetings for several months posing as actual members, obtaining sponsors, attending meetings, social gatherings and following the program. While this is the case, neither of the individuals ever had issues with alcohol or drug abuse.
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 article in the sociologist also goes on to analyze different aspects of the program which some individuals suggest prove the organization is a cult. While a compelling case and contrary to the shock people have shown in response to Sheen's comments, it's not the only claim that has been made. In fact, a number of individuals, members and non-members have been calling the organization a cult for over seventy years.
The Oxford Group had been identified as a cultish organization long before transitioning into Alcoholics Anonymous. History of the organization, past and present, suggest the original group had far less control over the members and membership than the current one. In addition, while "higher power, " in the current organization has taken on a generic meaning, the earlier group seemed more focused on helping members overcome addiction rather than telling members how or what to believe.
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.
An author, L Allen Ragels even reposed the question in an article in the popular periodical, The California Sociologist. In the article, the author reviewed the position of two sociologists whom after posing as alcoholics and participating in every area of the program determined that such claims were true.
The piece discusses the findings when two sociologists posed as alcoholics and infiltrated the organization. Each individual attended meetings for several months posing as actual members, obtaining sponsors, attending meetings, social gatherings and following the program. While this is the case, neither of the individuals ever had issues with alcohol or drug abuse.
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 article in the sociologist also goes on to analyze different aspects of the program which some individuals suggest prove the organization is a cult. While a compelling case and contrary to the shock people have shown in response to Sheen's comments, it's not the only claim that has been made. In fact, a number of individuals, members and non-members have been calling the organization a cult for over seventy years.
The Oxford Group had been identified as a cultish organization long before transitioning into Alcoholics Anonymous. History of the organization, past and present, suggest the original group had far less control over the members and membership than the current one. In addition, while "higher power, " in the current organization has taken on a generic meaning, the earlier group seemed more focused on helping members overcome addiction rather than telling members how or what to believe.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment