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.
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 case of the two sociologists, neither had ever had an issue with drugs or alcohol though attended meetings, went to social gatherings and followed all aspects of the programs. From the recognition of a generic higher power to completing the twelve steps to sobriety, the sociologists acted as members throughout the study.
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.
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.
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.
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 case of the two sociologists, neither had ever had an issue with drugs or alcohol though attended meetings, went to social gatherings and followed all aspects of the programs. From the recognition of a generic higher power to completing the twelve steps to sobriety, the sociologists acted as members throughout the study.
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.
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.
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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