What is the relationship between the twelve step program and Christianity?

What is the relationship between the twelve step program and Christianity?

The Christian twelve steps are the same steps as their secular counterpart but the difference between the two are like night and day. Although secular twelve steps do work for some, the Biblical twelve step program has one huge advantage. When you put God in your corner, you have the help you need when it seems that all is lost. Being able to lean on Him and have Him take the weight that has been crushing our mind body and spirit really makes a difference in our life.

The twelve steps were developed by Alcoholics Anonymous and has become the most commonly used model for the treatment of addictions, and other compulsions. The main purpose of the twelve steps is to help people with drug and alcohol addictions but not excluding eating, gambling, sex, internet, and porn addictions. 

There were many sources that influenced the foundations of the AA program, started and recorded by Bill W. and Doctor Bob. The Oxford Group movement in the UK and the American Leader Clergyman, Samuel Moor Shoemaker, Jr. started the Christian basis of Alcoholics Anonymous.

This oxford group came to the conclusion that there are 6 basic assumptions that need to be worked in order to gain sobriety.

1. Humans are sinners.

2. We can be changed

3. In order to change we need to confess our sins and misgivings

4. Once the soul has changed only at this point can we have direct access to God

5. The age of miracles has returned

6. Once you are changed you need to pass the message onto others and help change them.

Source psychology of social movements 

Wilson also added 5 procedures which are:

1 . Giving to God

2. Listing to Gods directions

3. Checking guidance

4. Restitution or making up of damages

5. Sharing in both confession and as a witness to others

The  twelve steps have been adapted for Christians and listed below are the corresponding biblical verses that support each step. 

Step One: We admitted we were powerless over our separation from God—that our lives had become unmanageable.

“I know nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (ROMANS 7:18)

Step Two: Come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (PHILIPPIANS 2:13)

Step Three: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship.” (ROMANS 12:1)

Step Four: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” (LAMENTATIONS 3:40)

Step Five: Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (JAMES 5:16)

Step Six: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (JAMES 4:10)

Step Seven: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 JOHN 1:9)

Step Eight: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (LUKE 6:31)

Step Nine: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.” (MATTHEW 5:23-24)

Step Ten: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” (1 CORINTHIANS 10:12)

Step Eleven: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (COLOSSIANS 3:16)

Step Twelve: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (GALATIANS 6:1)

All information about the twelve step program is provided by AA and it’s affiliates and is in no way a substitute for going through a treatment center or seeking medical help for addiction to drugs or alcohol. The description and writings of how the christian 12 step program is paraphrased and edited to give a synopsis of how the program was started. for further information please contact AA or NA and they will be able to give you the exact reference for the information provided.

For more information on the Christian Twelve-Steps and a list of 12-step programs in your area, give us a call at
1-866-391-6530. 

http://christian-drug-rehabilitation.com/christian-twelve-step-programs/