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 the case of Sheen, the actor suggested the organization not only ruined his life but also took control of others in the family. In this case, Sheen suggests that twenty two years of life was spent under the control of the organization. As such, the actor firmly believes that the control the organization has over individuals, family members and friends proves the organization is in fact a cult.
In fact, more than one reporter has questioned as to why the major media has no interest in investigating such claims. For, Sheen is not the first to make such claims. In fact, the question dates back to the 1940s. In an edition of the California Sociologist, L Allen Ragels reposed the question in an article titled Is Alcoholics Anonymous a Cult? An Old Question Revisited.
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.
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 information in the article also suggest that since AA is involved in brainwashing individuals to believe in a certain way, that is proof enough the group is a cult. While a compelling case, there are others whom will disagree, such as those whom showed such shock at the claims Charlie Sheen made about the organization. Still, there seems to be an overflowing amount of evidence which suggest that the author of the article, Sheen and the sociologists are most likely correct in such an assessment.
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.
Most damaging is the fact that the organization creates a place where members have to admit and repeatedly vocalize weaknesses and short-comings to other members in a public space. Whether or not the organization realizes, the process is one which promotes a negative image of members. As a result, a number of members often experience setbacks rather than making progress when it comes to overcoming addiction.
In the case of Sheen, the actor suggested the organization not only ruined his life but also took control of others in the family. In this case, Sheen suggests that twenty two years of life was spent under the control of the organization. As such, the actor firmly believes that the control the organization has over individuals, family members and friends proves the organization is in fact a cult.
In fact, more than one reporter has questioned as to why the major media has no interest in investigating such claims. For, Sheen is not the first to make such claims. In fact, the question dates back to the 1940s. In an edition of the California Sociologist, L Allen Ragels reposed the question in an article titled Is Alcoholics Anonymous a Cult? An Old Question Revisited.
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.
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 information in the article also suggest that since AA is involved in brainwashing individuals to believe in a certain way, that is proof enough the group is a cult. While a compelling case, there are others whom will disagree, such as those whom showed such shock at the claims Charlie Sheen made about the organization. Still, there seems to be an overflowing amount of evidence which suggest that the author of the article, Sheen and the sociologists are most likely correct in such an assessment.
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.
Most damaging is the fact that the organization creates a place where members have to admit and repeatedly vocalize weaknesses and short-comings to other members in a public space. Whether or not the organization realizes, the process is one which promotes a negative image of members. As a result, a number of members often experience setbacks rather than making progress when it comes to overcoming addiction.
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