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.
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.
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.
Upon completion of the covert operation and research project, the two determined that due to the methods of brainwashing and commands used in the program, it was in fact a cult. For, any group or organization which demands members or individuals follow a specific path without free will is participating in brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the center of every cult, the practice only added to the sociologists earlier conclusion.
While the suggestion that Alcoholics Anonymous is a cult that has ruined the lives of thousands of people is compelling, there are a number of past and present members whom would disagree. Still, the actor is not the first to make such claims. In fact, there are also current and past-members whom have been suggesting the organization is a cult for over 70 years.
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.
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.
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.
Upon completion of the covert operation and research project, the two determined that due to the methods of brainwashing and commands used in the program, it was in fact a cult. For, any group or organization which demands members or individuals follow a specific path without free will is participating in brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the center of every cult, the practice only added to the sociologists earlier conclusion.
While the suggestion that Alcoholics Anonymous is a cult that has ruined the lives of thousands of people is compelling, there are a number of past and present members whom would disagree. Still, the actor is not the first to make such claims. In fact, there are also current and past-members whom have been suggesting the organization is a cult for over 70 years.
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.
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