(Watch Alcoholics Anonymous Is Dangerous! on YouTube)
Recently, I was asked if there is anything wrong with a Christian having genuine faith in God and seeking help from a secular recovery program. Well, according to the Bible, the answer is YES, and here's why. You see, secular programs are addressing issues that the Bible also addresses, such as addictions and how to overcome them. As a matter of fact, the Bible addressed these issues first.
Recently, I was asked if there is anything wrong with a Christian having genuine faith in God and seeking help from a secular recovery program. Well, according to the Bible, the answer is YES, and here's why. You see, secular programs are addressing issues that the Bible also addresses, such as addictions and how to overcome them. As a matter of fact, the Bible addressed these issues first.
The problem is that the
teachings of secular programs are based on the religious beliefs of the religion
called Secular Humanism. And the religious beliefs of
Secular Humanism
contradict the religious beliefs of
Christianity. So the secular humanistic teachings of secular recovery
programs contradict the religious teachings of Christianity, which come from the
Bible. So a person cannot be a true Christian (a true follower of Christ) if
they are following the teachings of a religion that opposes the teachings of the
Bible.
For example, SMART Recovery "Teaches
self-empowerment and self-reliance." But the Bible teaches Christ-empowerment
and God-reliance, (2Ch 16:7-8; 2Co 12:9 KJV). SMART also "Encourages
individuals to recover from addiction and alcohol abuse and live satisfying lives." But the Bible
encourages Christians to "be filled with the Spirit" instead of
getting drunk on alcohol, (Eph 5:18 KJV). And since alcohol is a drug, this
applies to other drugs as well.
The Bible also encourages Christians to live
lives that are pleasing to God, not to "live satisfying lives" by doing our own
thing, (1Th 4:1 KJV). "Do whatever satisfies YOU, even if the God forbids it. By the way, I have found
nothing more satisfying that being guided, helped, empowered, and used by the
Lord.
SMART also "Teaches techniques for self-directed change."
But the Bible teaches Christians to seek God-directed change (Jer 10:23; 2Th 3:5 KJV). And He wants to change (to
conform) Christians to the image (the likeness) of Jesus Christ, (Ro 8:29 KJV).
SMART also "Supports the scientifically informed use of
psychological treatments...". But the Bible identifies psychological counseling
(psychotherapy) as "the wisdom of this world" and calls it "foolishness",
(1Co 3:19 KJV). The Bible teaches that people who reject God's
word have no wisdom from Him, which includes wisdom for overcoming ALL sinful
habits, (Jer 8:9 KJV). They may help people abstain
from SOME sinful habits but not ALL sinful habits, which is one of the goals of
Christianity. True Christianity brings freedom from ALL destructive habits.
SMART also "Works on substance abuse, alcohol abuse,
addiction and drug abuse as complex maladaptive behaviors...". But God (through
the Bible) works on these problems as simply bad behaviors called SIN (a moral
problem). And He has helped millions quit these behaviors.
SMART also says it "Differs from Alcoholics Anonymous,
Narcotics Anonymous and other 12-step programs", which is true. But it also
differs from Christianity. And informed Bible-believing Christians do not want
to learn the teachings of either one.
SMART also says that it "Evolves as scientific knowledge in addiction
recovery evolves." However, no scientific research shows that any of SMART's
religious teachings are more effective than the teachings of the Bible.
So why
should Christians add SMART's teachings to the Bible's teachings, or replace
some or all of them? As far scientific research is concerned, neither
Christianity or SMART can honestly claim that one "works" any better than the
other. So Christians should be allowed to choose Christianity if unbelievers are
allowed to choose SMART. And that goes for all the other secular humanistic
programs. NONE OF THEM have been proven by science to be more effective than
Christianity.
So since informed Bible-believing Christians do not want AA or a secular
humanistic program, and there is no scientific reason to believe they
need either one, they should be allowed to choose Christianity as the way to
overcome their "addictions". The Bible says...
"The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us
which are saved it is the power of God." (1Co 1:18 KJV) But
"the power of God" for what? The Bible says...
"According as his divine power hath given unto us ALL things that
pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath
called us to glory and virtue". (2Pe 1:3 KJV)
So although "The preaching of the cross" is "foolishness" to unbelievers, it
is God's power for living a godly life - the Christian life - the kind of life
God wants us to live.
So it is time for Christians to stand up and refuse to attend meetings where
their own beliefs are opposed. Limiting a Christian's choice to either AA or a
secular program is immoral, insulting, and unconstitutional.
Jim Battle
Watch The Best Proof that God Exists!
Watch Kent Hovind Seminars
I suggest to whoever is reading this that you think honestly about the evidence being presented to you, instead of listening to people who lie because they don't like the Bible. Why? Because when your body dies you are going somewhere, and you will be there forever. Jesus Christ proved that He was God and told us where we would end up if we reject what He offers (If you click the "what He offers" link you must scroll down the page a bit to read the post titled "What Does Jesus Offer?)".
Watch "Beware Of The Program!" My comic book slideshow on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aaww2vh1nKw
Watch my TV program titled "Alcoholics Anonymous Is Dangerous!"
Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBe4f95BSP0
Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAwGBgUJyQs
Part 3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYA2CdU1Gsg
Part 4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Az99S_jgcw
See this Powerful Legal & Historical Evidence that Proves Jesus Christ Is God:
Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPbjre68QXg
Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36roouexomY
