Higher Power Without Religion
12-step programs ask you to believe in "a higher power," but they don't define it. You don't need God. Atheists, agnostics, and people of all backgrounds work 12-step recovery every day with a higher power that makes sense to them.
Does 12-Step Require You to Believe in God?
12-step asks you to believe in "a higher power." It doesn't define what that means. The requirement is open, and it always has been. Many atheists and agnostics are in AA right now.
What Can a Higher Power Be?
The Group:
- The meeting
- The program
- The recovery community
The Universe:
- Nature
- Energy
- Something larger
Good Orderly Direction:
- Acronym (GOD)
- Just direction, not deity
Your Own Higher Self:
- Your best self
- Future you
- Potential
Life Itself:
- The power of living
- Connection to others
What If You're an Atheist or Agnostic?
Plenty of atheists and agnostics work strong recovery in AA. The requirement is open. "Higher power" doesn't have to mean a god. It means something bigger than you.
How Do You Figure Out Your Higher Power?
Don't overthink it. Start with "higher power" as a concept, not a definition.
- Don't define it. Not yet.
- Try a concept. Universe, group, energy.
- See what works. Talk to people in meetings.
- Let it evolve. Over time.
- Focus on recovery. That's what matters.
What Should You Remember?
- Higher power is open. God is not required.
- There are many options: group, universe, self.
- Don't overthink it. Try a concept.
- It evolves over time.
- Focus on recovery. That's the point.
Higher power can be anything bigger than you.
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