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 fact, Sheen has suggested that the organization screwed up the actor's life for over 22 years, eventually taking control of family and friends. As might be expected, especially with the recent breakdown the actor experienced a few years ago, most people think the actor is crazy for criticizing the organization. While this is the case, Sheen is not alone when it comes to questioning whether or not this might be the case.
In fact, more than one reporter has questioned as to why the major media has no interest in investigating such claims. For, Sheen is not the first to make such claims. In fact, the question dates back to the 1940s. In an edition of the California Sociologist, L Allen Ragels reposed the question in an article titled Is Alcoholics Anonymous a Cult? An Old Question Revisited.
The piece discusses the findings when two sociologists posed as alcoholics and infiltrated the organization. Each individual attended meetings for several months posing as actual members, obtaining sponsors, attending meetings, social gatherings and following the program. While this is the case, neither of the individuals ever had issues with alcohol or drug abuse.
In more than one case, researchers and sociologist have determined that due to the methods of brainwashing used in the program, it is in fact a cult. For, any organization which demands an individual or members follow a specific path without regard for individual choice is often considered brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the universal act in most cults around the world, the researchers contend that AA is in alignment with such practices.
The article in the sociologist also goes on to analyze different aspects of the program which some individuals suggest prove the organization is a cult. While a compelling case and contrary to the shock people have shown in response to Sheen's comments, it's not the only claim that has been made. In fact, a number of individuals, members and non-members have been calling the organization a cult for over seventy years.
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.
Most damaging is the fact the organization continually ask members to admit and vocalize short-comings and weaknesses in a public forum on an ongoing basis. In doing so, the organization is forcing each member to reinforce a negative self-image. As a result, there are a number of members whom have left the organization, suggesting that Sheen, Rollins, Alexander and others are most likely correct in past and present assumptions that the organization is a cult.
In fact, Sheen has suggested that the organization screwed up the actor's life for over 22 years, eventually taking control of family and friends. As might be expected, especially with the recent breakdown the actor experienced a few years ago, most people think the actor is crazy for criticizing the organization. While this is the case, Sheen is not alone when it comes to questioning whether or not this might be the case.
In fact, more than one reporter has questioned as to why the major media has no interest in investigating such claims. For, Sheen is not the first to make such claims. In fact, the question dates back to the 1940s. In an edition of the California Sociologist, L Allen Ragels reposed the question in an article titled Is Alcoholics Anonymous a Cult? An Old Question Revisited.
The piece discusses the findings when two sociologists posed as alcoholics and infiltrated the organization. Each individual attended meetings for several months posing as actual members, obtaining sponsors, attending meetings, social gatherings and following the program. While this is the case, neither of the individuals ever had issues with alcohol or drug abuse.
In more than one case, researchers and sociologist have determined that due to the methods of brainwashing used in the program, it is in fact a cult. For, any organization which demands an individual or members follow a specific path without regard for individual choice is often considered brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the universal act in most cults around the world, the researchers contend that AA is in alignment with such practices.
The article in the sociologist also goes on to analyze different aspects of the program which some individuals suggest prove the organization is a cult. While a compelling case and contrary to the shock people have shown in response to Sheen's comments, it's not the only claim that has been made. In fact, a number of individuals, members and non-members have been calling the organization a cult for over seventy years.
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.
Most damaging is the fact the organization continually ask members to admit and vocalize short-comings and weaknesses in a public forum on an ongoing basis. In doing so, the organization is forcing each member to reinforce a negative self-image. As a result, there are a number of members whom have left the organization, suggesting that Sheen, Rollins, Alexander and others are most likely correct in past and present assumptions that the organization is a cult.
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