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 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.
Authors, reporters and researchers have all tried to answer the question as to whether there are cultish aspects to the organization. In fact, the question dates back to the early 40s when a local author reposed the question in an article which appeared in the California Sociiologist.
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.
Researchers and sociologists in more than one case determined that due to the brainwashing methods and commands used in the program, the organization to be a cult. For, the two believed that any group or organization which places demands on members or takes away free will to be involved in cultish 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.
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.
Authors, reporters and researchers have all tried to answer the question as to whether there are cultish aspects to the organization. In fact, the question dates back to the early 40s when a local author reposed the question in an article which appeared in the California Sociiologist.
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.
Researchers and sociologists in more than one case determined that due to the brainwashing methods and commands used in the program, the organization to be a cult. For, the two believed that any group or organization which places demands on members or takes away free will to be involved in cultish 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.
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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