There are misrepresentation in Barbs post.
Quote
Many people say, in AA, that "any day sober is a good day", ([b:850091c879]no matter what else they did or did not do)[/color:850091c879] [/b:850091c879]. Many also say, frequently, that "AA is a selfish program".
The part in blue is blatantly false! Whenever I have heard the term "any day sober is a good day" the context is generally a supportive statement for one who is in poor spirits, depressed, angry etc. The true context of this saying is intended to help a person gain perspective when they may see no good reason to continue on staying sober.
Quote
"True believers" cannot bear any criticism of AA, and will tolerate no negative stories about other AA members or what you witness at meetings.
People who actually work the AA program and take the time to read the literature to gain an understanding of what it is are all to willing to point out abuses and misapplication of AA.
"True believers" believe in God and understand that AA is about that relationship.
Quote
The Big Book says that the wife and family of an alcoholic can cause him to relapse. It is clearly stated in "to wives" in "the Big Book".
Again that's more "Barb Anonymous" not AA:
chapter To Wives
Perhaps your husband will make a fair start on the new basis, but just as things are going beautifully he dismays you be coming home drunk. If you are satisfied he really wants to get over drinking, you need not be alarmed. Though it is infinitely better that he have no relapse at all, as has been true with many of our men, it is by no means a bad thing in some cases. [b:850091c879]Your husband will see at once that he must redouble his spiritual activities if he expects to survive.[/b:850091c879] You need not remind him of his spiritual deficiency -- [b:850091c879]he will know of it[/b:850091c879]. Cheer him up and ask him how you can be still more helpful.
The slightest sign of fear or intolerance may lessen your husband's chance or recovery. In a weak moment he may take your dislike of his high-stepping friends as one of those [b:850091c879]insanely trivial excuses to drink[/size:850091c879].[/b:850091c879]
We never, never try to arrange a man's life so as to shield him from temptation. The slightest disposition on your part to guide his appointment or his affairs so he will not be tempted will be noticed. Make him feel absolutely free to come and go as he likes. This is important. If he gets drunk, don't blame yourself. God has either removed your husband's liquor problem or He has not.[/size:850091c879] If not, it had better be found out right away. Then you and your husband can get right down to fundamentals. If a repetition is to be prevented, place the problem, along with everything else, in God's hands. [/size:850091c879]
Quote
"To wives" also says that he may seek out other companionship, "not always another man".
No one stops other members for behaving in this fashion. At absolute worst, they are shunned, but I did not even see this happen.
Again more misrepresentation of the context of adultery.
chapter To Wives
[b:850091c879] Sometimes there were other women. How heartbreaking was this discovery; how cruel to be told they understood our men as we did not!
[/b:850091c879]
Adultery is wrong, wrong, wrong and the context in the AA Big Book is about dealing with affairs that we had in the past not condoning affairs that a member may sleeeeze into in AA!
Quote
A newcomer to AA, in particular a single woman, needs to be aware of the likelihood of encountering predatorial behavior from some of the other people who go to AA meetings, (and not just sexual predators).
They need to keep their wits about them. Many types of antisocial behavior are engaged in by AA members.
Truly caring, moral, and responsible "oldtimers" will warn newcomers about this.
Goes both ways.
The statement that "many types of antisocial behavior are engaged in by AA members." Gross exaggeration. The meeting last an hour, how much can we possibly do in the meeting in an hour!
Quote
There are no checks and balances within individual groups, on the whole.
Oh, there is but in AA we call it "life or death." God is the "check and balance for us."
Other then all that good post Barb. :wink:
Colter