Description
Pamphlet P-86, titled “The “God” Word: Agnostic and Atheist Members in A.A.,” is a General Service Conference-approved booklet published by Alcoholics Anonymous. It features the personal stories of ten A.A. members who found meaningful recovery while navigating non-belief or agnostic views. 1
Purpose and Core Message
The pamphlet exists to demonstrate that A.A. is not a religious organization and that the recovery program is fully accessible to people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and non-beliefs. It directly addresses the hurdle of “God” language in A.A. literature by sharing the experience, strength, and hope of secular members. 3
Key Themes
- Redefining Higher Powers: The pamphlet highlights that a Higher Power does not need to be a traditional deity. Members often view it as the A.A. fellowship, nature, the universe, or a program principle. 1
- Acronym Adaptations: Secular members frequently reinterpret the word GOD to fit their recovery, using meanings like “Group of Drunks” or “Good Orderly Direction”. 2
- “God as you understand Him”: The central premise of the pamphlet aligns with the core A.A. tradition that members are free to define their spiritual approach on their own terms. [1]
