+- SoberLogic Forum (https://soberlogic.com/forum)
+-- Forum: Spirituality As A Source Of Inspiration (https://soberlogic.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=31)
+--- Forum: A Higher Power *Of Our Own Understanding* (https://soberlogic.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=32)
+--- Thread: FAQ: "I'm a traditional believer in God 100%. Is this program really for me?" (/showthread.php?tid=38)
FAQ: "I'm a traditional believer in God 100%. Is this program really for me?" - soloadmin - 04-14-2025
The Role of “God” in a Modern Recovery Framework: A Personal and Optional Path
In many traditional 12-step recovery programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the concept of “God” is central to the healing process. While the SoberLogic program offers a broader, more flexible approach that does not require belief in any specific deity or religious system, it fully acknowledges that for some individuals, a connection to “God” or a Higher Power remains an essential and meaningful part of their recovery journey.
Understanding the Traditional Concept of God
In AA, “God as we understood Him” provides a deeply personal and interpretive foundation. This phrasing was intentionally designed to be inclusive, allowing individuals from various religious and spiritual traditions—or none at all—to find their own sense of Higher Power. The emphasis is not on dogma but on the transformative potential of surrender, trust, and spiritual connection.
Why the Concept of God Still Matters for Some
For many people, the idea of “God” represents:
- A Source of Strength – When internal willpower feels depleted, turning to an external source of strength can feel supportive and empowering.
- Unconditional Love and Forgiveness – Belief in a loving God can facilitate self-forgiveness and reduce shame, especially when grappling with past mistakes.
- A Moral Compass – Faith traditions often provide values and ethical frameworks that guide choices, making sobriety feel more purposeful and spiritually grounded.
- Hope and Meaning – Belief in a higher purpose can offer meaning beyond recovery itself, inspiring continued growth and service to others.
Integrating God into SoberLogic (if Desired)
SoberLogic is built around flexibility and inclusivity. It encourages individuals to draw from whatever sources of inspiration and wisdom resonate most with them. Those who connect with the idea of “God” can naturally integrate that belief into any of the steps or practices in the following ways:
- Step 2: The phrase “inspirational Source(s) of our own understanding” welcomes the inclusion of God, Jesus, the Divine, Spirit, or any other sacred presence.
- Step 3: Actively engaging in recovery can include prayer, meditation, scripture reading, or attending faith-based support groups.
- SAVE Technique: When identifying and disputing the Addictive Voice, some may find strength in prayer or invoking divine protection.
- The Five Vows: Kindness, patience, humility, and tenacity are all virtues praised in spiritual teachings. A believer may see them as divine qualities to embody through grace.
Quotes That Bridge Recovery and Spirituality
Quote:“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…” – The Serenity Prayer
Quote:“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Quote:“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi
Quote:“You do not have to seek God – just turn away from the things that hide Him.” – Thomas Merton
For the Non-Religious
It’s equally valid to not use the concept of God at all in SoberLogic. Many participants draw inspiration from secular principles, evidence-based psychology, human connection, or the natural world. Spirituality, in this broader context, can mean connection, integrity, wholeness, and inner peace—not necessarily a belief in a supernatural being.
Conclusion: God as a Personal Option, Not a Requirement
The strength of SoberLogic lies in its adaptability. It honors both the spiritual seeker and the secular realist. For those who find “God” to be a vital part of their path, that belief can be a wellspring of healing, humility, and strength. For others, recovery is grounded in mindfulness, science, and self-empowerment. Both paths are valid, and both lead toward the same goal: lasting freedom, inner peace, and the joy of living a sober, intentional life.
Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Whether you find comfort in God, universal love, your higher self, or simply the desire to heal—SoberLogic welcomes you exactly where you are.