Episode 40 – Atheism, Agnosticism, and Recovery
Some nuggets from this episode
- A full recovery from addiction is possible without belief in a deity.
- ‘Spirituality’ may be a key component for many of us recovering from addiction, but this is more about a sense of connection with something bigger rather than belief in a specific deity.
- A lack of belief in a supreme being doesn’t have to prevent us from getting the most out of recovery groups and other resources.
A conversation between Doug Sutherland and Paul Garrigan
There are many of us can be put off by all the ‘God talk’ in recovery, and this may mean we dismiss viable options that could be of value. Doug explains that as far as spirituality goes, it is all about our own interpretation of what ‘spirituality’ means. The important thing is that we feel connected to something bigger. He also offers reassurance that a full recovery is possible without belief in a deity.
Hope Mindful Compassion Show – Episode 40
Press play below to listen to this week’s show.
Topics covered in this week’s show include:
- Is non-belief an issue for people who come to rehab?
- Why is belief in God such a controversial topic in western recovery?
- Is a belief in God necessary for those who want to recover from addiction?
- How important is it to respect the right to ‘not believe’?
- Is it fair/right to encourage atheists to develop belief in a God?
- Is there a tendency to treat atheism as ‘part of the disease’?
- Can atheists practice the 12 steps?
- Are there alternatives to the 12 steps?
- What would you say to atheists/agnostics who are thinking of coming to rehab?
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