If you don't believe in God... - - jewels's Blog - Tehachapi News

Dec 5, 2007 at 02:12 PM : Could you be more...

Could you be more specific? What's behind the question? Or am I just being a suspicious nut? :)

Dec 5, 2007 at 02:12 PM : More specific??? Ok,...

More specific??? Ok, If you don't believe in God, is there something else or some other force you believe in? Nothing behind the question. Was it a trick question? I thought it was pretty straight forward.

Dec 5, 2007 at 03:12 PM : I tend to believe...

I tend to believe things with evidence.

"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof "- thank you, Carl Sagan.

Since God(s), as described, is pretty extraordinary, I need something extraordinary as evidence before I can believe in any of the God(s) going around today.

I guess that's one thing for you to clarify, jewels. Which God? Who's God?

As an atheist, I look at folks who adhere to one religion and would like to point out one thing. You & I are both atheists, really. You just believe in one extra god more than I do.

Dec 5, 2007 at 03:12 PM : How's this... I...

How's this... I don't believe that we have any way of knowing whether god(s) exists or not. Given that, I believe it is irrational to possess blind faith. (BTW, that's a great quote Oohchild- I love it!)

I do however believe that there is a connection between everything living- even if it is just that we all share the fact that we are alive. I believe in humanity, compassion, and humility- qualities that adhere us to fellow humans and creatures. These are all big points in most organized religions, which is why I don't have any problem with them.

Dec 5, 2007 at 03:12 PM : I am not a big fan or...

I am not a big fan or a fan period of organized religion. I believe in God, you know the one in Heaven. What extraordinary evidence do you need? I mean I see miracles and evidence everyday that there is a God. I also see, everyday, there is his counterpart, working to destroy good. I am not trying to bash anyone or be closed minded on the subject, I just wanted to hear different perspectives, beliefs.

Dec 5, 2007 at 03:12 PM : oohchild...

oohchild ~UHHHH....God...any God..

Dec 5, 2007 at 03:12 PM : So madkow...do you...

So madkow...do you celebrate Christmas? If so, why?

Dec 5, 2007 at 03:12 PM : Of course I celebrate...

Of course I celebrate Christmas! It's a cultural tradition! I don't celebrate Christmas for the birth of Jesus. Similar celebrations at the same times go back since before Christ- and I really enjoy the whole season. Do you celebrate Halloween as All Souls Day? (Although I have to say that Halloween mass is freaking awesome.) Most holidays have a secular side, which makes them fun for everyone!

Dec 5, 2007 at 04:12 PM : Cool, i just wondered...

Cool, i just wondered madkow. Do you say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?

Dec 5, 2007 at 04:12 PM : Christmas, annual...

Christmas, annual Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Most members of the Roman Catholic Church and followers of Protestantism celebrate Christmas on December 25, and many celebrate on the evening of December 24 as well. Members of most Orthodox Churches around the world also celebrate the holiday on December 25. Some Orthodox Christians in Russia, Ukraine, the Holy Land (the historic region of Palestine), and elsewhere celebrate Christmas on January 7 because they follow the Julian calendar. Members of the Armenian Church observe Christmas on January 6, following the unique custom of celebrating both the birth and baptism of Christ on the same day.

The official Christmas season, popularly known as either Christmastide or the Twelve Days of Christmas, extends from the anniversary of Christ’s birth on December 25 to the feast of Epiphany on January 6. On the Epiphany, some Catholics and Protestants celebrate the visit of the Magi while Orthodox Christians, who call the feast Theophany, celebrate the baptism of Christ.

Dec 5, 2007 at 04:12 PM : Jewels, why don't...

Jewels, why don't you explain the "miracles" and evidence you have seen to us. I would love to see any fact based evidence myself!!!!

... And does there have to be only one God? I mean, some believe in many Gods. Some believe God is a woman. What do you think of these people?

As an Atheist, I'm glad I don't have to deal with all the fear driven religious institutions. I know what is right or wrong, I don't need a book some people wrote to tell me how to live. There is no wrong way to believe in God, and there is nothing wrong with not believing in God. I mean who's God don't I believe in??? There are so many different views of him/her/them. I suppose it depends on what denomination you belong to before we can even agree or not agree with you about who God is and what he wants.

I once actually tried to find a religion, I choose Buddhism to study, I think the Dali Lama is awesome, but I don't agree with everything he says either. I have a mind of my own, I was born with it ,and I use it to determine what the best path is for me to take in life..

I see no reason to believe in God, I have always been an atheist, and my life has been very GOOD!!!

Now about Christmas, I too celebrate Christmas because I have friends that do believe in God and they invite me as their friend to join in. My friends LIVE and let LIVE....that's why they are my friends!!!! I choose to accept all people and their beliefs (unless it is harmful to others)... it's a very comfortable path to be on.

Dec 5, 2007 at 04:12 PM : madkow......

madkow... lol I'm really starting to like you a very lot... Great sense of humor.

Dec 5, 2007 at 04:12 PM : OH SPARKS...for the...

OH SPARKS...for the record, i am not bashing ANYONE....I know people who believe in a variety of things from witch craft to Christianity. I posted that info on Christmas because Christmas is a Christian holiday. The fact that I am living and breathing and not dead somewhere is a miracle and a FACT. I dont really care if a person believes in God, God's, no God, witch craft, whatever. madkow....really I am not bashing you in any way....Merry Christmas to you. Geez, my best friend isn't a nun or anything. I accept people for who they are. I do have a tendency to disagree with alot of points of view. But believe me when I tell you I live and let live

I LIKE ALL PEOPLE A VERY LOT

Dec 5, 2007 at 04:12 PM : I didn't say you...

I didn't say you were bashing anyone Jewels I was just asking you questions, as you are us. You must of misread my post, because I don't feel like you are bashing me.

Oh, and btw... The fact that I am still alive is highly unlikely as well, I too was an alcoholic and drug abuser as you know...but it wasn't a miracle of God that I am still alive. I'm just lucky. (smile)

Dec 5, 2007 at 04:12 PM : Jewels hi girl how are...

Jewels hi girl how are doing. This is a tough one. I go back and forth on weather god does exist. My heart says yes and my head says no. Its hard for me to look around out side at the trees and the flowers, rivers, people and animals and not think that it was all made by god. I mean was it all an accident, I don't know. I know when I'm having a bad day and i ask god to remove the stress and anxiety from me my day often gets better. I do think that there is only one god and that god wears many different hats for all people all around the world. The one thing that every culture has in common is they all believe in a power greater them them self's. Like some believe in God some Buddha and others mother earth. A friend told me this story ......You can live your life like there is a god and when you die you find out that God did not exist. Well no harm no foul. But say you live your life like there was no god and when you died you found out that god did exist......YOUR SCREWED.

Dec 5, 2007 at 05:12 PM : I'm all over the...

I'm all over the place on this one. I wasn't raised in a religious family. My spouse was raised in a very Catholic household. (We have many opposing views because of this.) I believe in the 'idea' of God, that there is someone/something watching over us and putting us in the right place at the right time. I believe every person you cross in life, you have done so for a reason, that everyone has a lesson they can teach you. I don;t think that is coincedence.

I worked in a critical care hospital and saw many things that renewed my faith. Those days I would go home and say grace before my supper. Some days I saw things that would make me think if there was a God that he/she was a horribly cruel and unforgiving God. Working there kind of put me on the fence, swaying back and forth. Perhaps I am still on that fence.

Dec 5, 2007 at 05:12 PM : Why would I be screwed...

Why would I be screwed if I don't believe in God when I die if there is a God... Why would I be any different than any other person who dies? Am I missing something? Or is that just a fear tactic? Bigdog, you are bully.... bad boy.... TWO THUMBS DOWN lol

Dec 5, 2007 at 05:12 PM : I say both Happy...

I say both Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. I like both so I use both :) Like if someone says Merry Christmas to me, I wish them a Merry Christmas right back. I just think that religious beliefs are personal- the only thing that offends me, religiously speaking, is when someone insists on trying to convert me. Like they think it'll work- hah!

I didn't think you were bashing me at all, I was just suspicious of the question because there's an awful lot of people that like to trap atheists/agnostics with that question- goad us into an argument that neither one of us can win. Circular logic does not make for a good debate. My family is very religious, so we'll have some debates on it, but mostly they consider it a very personal matter. They're not the type to go spouting Christianity at everyone they meet. It's very nice. But they treat my agnosticism like it's the family's dirty little secret, lol!

Dec 5, 2007 at 05:12 PM : If you've lived a...

If you've lived a good, decent life, why would that put you at a disadvantage if there is a God? Would an atheist that lived a good life have less of a chance of getting into heaven than a Christian that lived a hypocritical life? I have to say, most Christians aren't the shining examples of Christianity that they should be.

Dec 5, 2007 at 07:12 PM : Jewels has never...

Jewels has never really shown any signs of bashing on this site that I've ever seen. She is one person here who when a topic is posted she is usually light hearted and I'm not sure I've ever read anything that would seem judgemental. There are a lot of people who are out "trying to find the God they believe in". I can usually go back and forth on this topic. Sometimes...I feel I need proof there is a God. I don't believe anybody's God is wrong. I don't think anyone is perfect or without some kind of "closet shit". That's what makes us human. God made us (because today I'm believing there is a God) and he could have made us perfect because He is God, right? But, he didn't, sooooo......people who say they are Christian, I don't expect perfection out of them. I do expect for them to be a little more forgiving. Because that is what God is all about. Forgiveness.

I'm far from perfect and far from non-judgemental, but I don't throw the name of Jesus, or God around like I'm a holy person. I have this brother in law, who likes to smack my sister around. Usually it's because she isn't being "submissive" like the God he believes in says a woman should be. She talks back a lot, you know? I'm fairly judgemental towards that little dick. I don't think My God is going to hold that against me. Actually I'd like to stick a gun in his mouth and tell him he needs to submit to me. Maybe My God would frown on me for that one. He's actually very lucky that I don't like jail.

Well, I think I lost what I was going to say. Not sure I was going to say anything. I believe in God. He is the God that I have formed in my mind. He isn't part of some "organized religion". He is someone who loves us all more than we will ever love ourselves or any other human being.

Dec 5, 2007 at 07:12 PM : Olivia, you're...

Olivia, you're awesome :)

Dec 5, 2007 at 08:12 PM : Sparks you called me a...

Sparks you called me a bully...a bad boy.... Tell me do I really look like a bully to you?lol

Dec 5, 2007 at 08:12 PM : Regarding Christmas,...

Regarding Christmas, it was actually (at least partially) invented by the early church to entice the "pagan" Romans to convert without them having to give up their winter festivals. No one knows why December 25th is Christmas either. The bible makes no mention of a date for the birth of Christ. It actually has an interesting history and is really a conglomeration of a lot of "pagan" symbols and traditions (the Christmas tree for example, or the mistletoe) accepted by the early Church in order to entice people to convert. In effect, the people that celebrate Christmas because its fun and a nice thing to do could be considered the ones celebrating it for its original intent. Oh the irony! :)

Check it out on wikipedia. It has a pretty good article on it. History is fascinating.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

Oh and as far as God goes, I'm in the camp with Sparks. I have yet to see any compelling evidence or reason to believe in a supreme being. If God starts talking to me I would probably start seeing a shrink. ;) But seriously, I have no beef with religion per se and I live and let live. Its just not for me. I DO, however, have a beef with fanatics, religious or otherwise.

Dec 5, 2007 at 09:12 PM : I to have a problem...

I to have a problem with people that want to push their concept of God on me. It kinda weirds me out. The older i get the more i try and let people be themselves as long as they don't try and push their beliefs onto me. I to have Friends of several faiths. we all pretty much just except each other for who we are. Religion is rarely an issue. I have had Mormons knock on my door here in Teh doing their mission work. They have always been polite and nice young men, often asking if i needed help with anything. I tell them up front that I'm not really interested in their church but i do it in a friendly way and we often have a good chat.

Dec 6, 2007 at 04:12 AM : My belief in Christmas...

My belief in Christmas is pretty much in agreement with kjanelle. I don't know when Christ was born. Does anyone? I think there are people who truly believe they know. Did someone mark a Calendar that long ago? Christmas to me is family. It's kind of like Thanksgiving with presents. It's a time when our family is all together enjoying the day. What is more spiritual than that? If my family were to ever "toss me out with the trash" because I didn't believe as they do. Well, I have my husband and kids who are my "true family". Someone who is religious and can turn their back on their loved ones for believing differently is not someone I could consider religious.

Religion is such a touchy subject. Like Politics is touches people's beliefs very deeply. I was talking to Bigdog last night about this post. There are so many faiths, beliefs and opinions out there. So, I've formed my own opinion of who God is, because I believe there is a God and who's to say? Other than getting them all together and asking " Will the real God stand up please" I'm not sure we will ever know who is right. That's the reason I can't put someone down for what they believe. I'm like bigdog, if you want to worship a doorknob, I'm ok with that. I might give you a strange look as I walk passed you during your worship, but.....I give a lot of strange looks to a lot of people. Religion is something that was never forced down my throat. My mother who is 77, says her biggest regret is that she didn't make us go to Church like she made us go to school. I myself, thank her for that. When we did go to church, I always felt awkward and scared to death that they were going to ask me to pray. I believe prayer is suppose to be a personal thing between yourself and your God. I have 4 kids and I never forced my "Religious Beliefs" on them. Which is kind of embarrassing at times. When we have family over for Thanksgiving, or Christmas, there is always someone who will say a prayer before dinner. (It won't be me, bigdog or my kids). It weirds my kids out so much that we can't get through the prayer without them snickering or full out laughing. My mom and sister probably think I've raised Heathens. But, actually they are pretty good kids. When Religion is brought up, I usually stay pretty quiet. It's not something I think God wants you to have hurt feelings or argue over. Why would he want that?

If you choose to be atheist, I can't fault you for that either. When I begin to fault people it's usually because they are running amok with no regard to other people. I have no tolerance for people who think they can just do what they want, stomping around on other peoples privacy, beliefs, feelings. I try every day to be a better person. And as I've said before, most days I fail miserably. That's my religion, be the best person you can be for the day.

Dec 6, 2007 at 05:12 AM : Wow,...

Wow, kjanelle! You don't pop up often but when you do you say very good stuff. Obviously, you have excepted your "fate" when it comes to your family, but I know it cuts deep. This is one of many reasons I don't hold much faith in religion. You need to post more often. You seem to have a lot to say in a very eloquent way. Crap, are you and scottso like this perfect little family or what, lol =).

Jewels, I am so surprise this hasn't gotten way out hand yet...you have big ones..lol. I too struggle with this internally. I was raised Catholic (although I started questioning at a very young age). At around 10 I really started to not believe. I know I have personal issues, but emotions aside, it doesn't make sense to me. I use to call myself an atheist, but as I have gotten older, I am not too sure about that. I guess you could call me an agnostic, but I don't know. Do I think that there is something else going on, yes. Do I believe it is one all mighty being, no. Do I believe in Karma, yes. Is Karma God's will, I don't think so. Do I believe that we should treat all people with love and respect, do I believe that we shouldn't go out and do random harm to one another, do I believe that we all know what truly is right or wrong, YES to all. Do I need God to tell me this, no. So like I said before, I am very confused at times on this. In a weird way, after I had my first son, I almost had to start believing in something. I know that sounds strange. Do I celebrate Christmas, yes. For the reasons mostly that kjanelle stated. But also because of my kids. I am teaching them to go with their own heart in what they want to believe. So I expose them to both scenarios. I don't go into the different religions with them, just you believe in a one all being or you don't. And funny as it is, some of my favorite Christmas songs are very religious, Go Tell it on the Mountain, Silent Night, even Amazing Grace I love. And if there is one almighty God in the end, I believe he will laugh at us that didn't believe but welcome us. He will say "wouldn't it have been much easier to just believe".

Dec 6, 2007 at 07:12 AM : Too funny, I love ya...

Too funny, I love ya Bigdog... (smile)

Janelle great post. You should post more often.

Colitas I believe in karma as well. I truly do. As I get older and wiser and kinder, I find the saying "What goes around comes around" to be very true.

Dec 6, 2007 at 09:12 AM : One evening an old...

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all..

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence,empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grand son thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

This pretty much sums it up for me. I don't believe in Satan, I don't believe there is an all powerful MALE god who demands fear and worship. There is a balance, and we are the ones who tip the scales in one direction or the other.

Dec 6, 2007 at 02:12 PM : Ok so i was raised...

Ok so i was raised Catholic and the God that I was raised with was a damning God. Fear was instilled. I lived my whole life believing in God yet not having faith. No faith due to the fact that I made some extremely negative choices and the God that I was taught about was going to damn me to eternal fire. REPENT...REPENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not until about 4 years ago (before i got sober) did I have these life changing events (miracles) happen to me or for me. A series of events took place and I knew for a fact without a doubt, there was a God. My addiction was so powerful that I still couldnt get sober, even though I knew that God was going to save my life. I was soooooooooooo f'ed up, I COULDNT STOP. I guess my next dear diary will depict one of the events that took place that I knew God was responsible for... Coincidence, maybe, but not to me...

Dec 6, 2007 at 02:12 PM : lol...you haven't...

lol...you haven't heard of a damning hellfire and brimstone god until you've been to a Southern Baptist church. I swear my uncle would look at me from the pulpit as he was preaching. :)

Dec 7, 2007 at 03:12 PM : I am here, and I am...

I am here, and I am listening. All shall come to know me in their own time

Scottso, make an appointment

Dec 7, 2007 at 03:12 PM : Too funny, Hey Scottso...

Too funny, Hey Scottso you are in twubble. woooohooooooo lol

Dec 7, 2007 at 03:12 PM : Wow, it's GOD!...

Wow, it's GOD! I'm so glad you finally showed up! (better late than never, as they say...)

I've got a question I've always wanted to ask you; can you create a boulder so large that even you can't lift it?

Dec 7, 2007 at 04:12 PM : oohchild, I called his...

oohchild, I called his name several times last night, maybe that's why he showed up? :O

Dec 7, 2007 at 04:12 PM : lol this blog is...

lol this blog is getting risque!!

Dec 7, 2007 at 10:12 PM : Hey God...what's...

Hey God...what's up? I am so grateful to you for saving my life and throwing the situations in my path that I couldnt ignore. Those situations brought me to the place I am today and I can never tell you how blessed I am that you thought me worthy of saving. I couldnt have done it without you...oh and about that 4th step....sorry about all that :)

Dec 7, 2007 at 11:12 PM : OH AND BY THE...

OH AND BY THE WAY....you didnt have to show up here...I have faith, I know you are here

Dec 7, 2007 at 11:12 PM : so sparks~you overcame...

so sparks~you overcame your alcoholism right? On your own...

Dec 8, 2007 at 09:12 AM : Jewels, no I...

Jewels, no I couldn't overcome my alcoholism on my own, I don't know anyone who has. It's like representing yourself in a court of law. Not a good idea. lol We have been through this before Jewels, I know it's hard for you to understand my methods for staying sane. But, I will go through it one more time for ya:

The AA fellowship was my higher power in that regard. People who understood what I was going through and knew how to stay sober using the steps of AA. I know my web page of of the Alternative 12 steps for people who don't believe in God upset you but, http://wud1.com/steps/Steps.htm these steps are what helped me. A lot of people like me have a hard time with being forced to believe in God and it hampered our strives to get sober... so we came up with the alternative steps. It's OK if you believe in God Jewels, and I'm grateful that you do seeing as how he/she is helping you. I know it's hard for you to understand that the people who do NOT believe in God have reached that same moment of enlightenment through other beliefs and traditions as you have, but I am living proof of it. I remember when suddenly everything became clear, I understood who I really am, I finally knew what path to follow. It was the most awesome feeling I have ever had to this day and I carry that clarity with me still. I know you know what feeling I am talking about Jewels. I actually love myself today.

Point is, I haven't done drugs in 20 years and I even drink now and again without wanting to abuse alcohol. I don't like booze much anymore, but I will have a drink or two on special occasions. I know my beliefs are different than yours, but Jewels, what difference does it make as long as it works? I'm happy, I have a good life today... isn't that all that matters? Don't let the way I got sober and my beliefs get you upset. There isn't a step, tradition or phrase out of the Big Book that I don't know by heart. I worked the AA program to the best of my ability and that is all that is asked of an AA member. I guess for me personally it was more of a behavioral problem than a physical one. Thus today, I try to keep things simple by accepting what I cannot change and letting it go. "You work your program and I will work mine" is a common saying in AA. You can't work someone else's program and think it will work for you...it just doesn't make sense. Individuals are different, you can't treat everyone in therapy the same and expect everyone to benefit from it. The Big Book was meant to be a guide, it wasn't written in stone.

When sponsoring someone that believes in God, I focus on their God to guide them, when sponsoring someone who is an Atheist, I use the alternative steps. It's that simple.

Dec 8, 2007 at 11:12 PM : Oh Sparks I am not...

Oh Sparks I am not upset. Really...Do you sponsor people now? As far as the behavioral part...The alcohol is only a symptom of the disease. It's not a drinking problem, its a thinking problem. My consumption of alcohol was just the end result of my trying to escape...me. The disease is of the mind 1st and the body later. I commend you for being able to drink and handle it. You have truly broken the cycle for every single alcoholic in the world. Maybe you weren't a true alcoholic. You know there is different levels of alcohol problems. And for the record, I am not upset at all if people reach a level of freedom from addiction with or without a God. Whatever works for them is wonderful. What I have a problem with is the myth that once you have come to the decision that you are an alcoholic and then to one day decide that its ok to drink. That is a dangerous and deadly state of mind for real alcoholics. If you are like us...you know that one is too many and thousand is never enough.

Dec 9, 2007 at 12:12 AM : Sparks i have also...

Sparks i have also gone to AA in the past. I agree with you that god is not a must in order for someone to get sober. I have struggled with the god deal of the program. I Think that when you are done you are done. I believe in positive energy. Positive thoughts turn into positive energy. AA is not the only way to get sober. I have find what works for me and because it does not include god doesn't mean it is wrong. For me i can not drink. If i drank i could not stop and i know that.

Dec 9, 2007 at 12:12 AM : I believe in logic and...

I believe in logic and reason. I believe that religion is humanity's way of dealing with life and providing a reason as to why we exist. I do not believe in blind faith. I do not believe that that which is not presently explainable by science is the work of some human invented god.

Dec 9, 2007 at 12:12 AM : I NEVER SAID PEOPLE...

I NEVER SAID PEOPLE NEEDED TO BELIEVE IN "GOD" TO GET AND STAY SOBER.

Ok Gube, do you think you can be an alcoholic one day and then decide that you can have a drink?

Dec 9, 2007 at 08:12 AM : Jewels i said that if...

Jewels i said that if i drink that i can not stop. I have been sober for a long time now and if i did any drugs or drank any alcohol i know i would be screwed. I don't really know an alcoholic who's been able to drink successfully after a long absence from drinking. All i know is that i have tried it , it doesn't work, so i don't drink. As far as god deal go's i have a hard time with it. I like what sparks said about using the group as a higher power. At this time in my sobriety god stands for (group of Drunks) AA is a great program that is god based. the cool thing about it is that it is a god of your understanding.

Dec 9, 2007 at 09:12 AM : Jewels, right, I...

Jewels, right, I wasn't an alcoholic . But 3 DUIs, and several arrests for passing out in public later.... I guess I just didn't make the cut in my 20 years of drinking. lol

Simply because I can drink now and not DIVE back into my old drinking behavior doesn't mean I wasn't an alcoholic,. I know this is what AA teaches you and in general it's true. It's best that you do believe that taking another drink would drag you back into the abyss of alcoholism, because it probably will in your case. Most alcoholics can never take another drink, especially chronic alcoholics such as yourself. I have to admit I was not a chronic alcoholic, I actually managed to be sober a day or two a week. There is a difference in how people abuse alcohol and why, but it doesn't mean they are not alcoholics.

Absolutely, I still sponsor many people with all kinds of beliefs. However, it takes a lot of work and a lot of hard love which can be draining at times. I never tell my babies that someday they can drink, because it's not true in most cases. However, I will NOT LIE to them about my having a drink ocassionally because rigorous honesty is what keeps me sane and happy.

Dec 9, 2007 at 09:12 AM : Are you an alcoholic?...

Are you an alcoholic?

1. Do you lose time from work due to your drinking?

2. Is drinking making your home life unhappy?

3. Do you drink because you are shy with other people?

4. Is drinking affecting your reputation?

5. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?

6. Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of your drinking?

7. Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?

8. Does your drinking make you careless of your family's welfare?

9. Has your ambition decreased since drinking?

10. Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?

11. Do you want a drink the next morning?

12. Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

13. Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?

14. Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?

15. Do you drink to escape from worries or troubles?

16. Do you drink alone?

17. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of your drinking?

18. Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?

19. Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?

20. Have you ever been in a hospital or institution on account of drinking?

If you have answered YES to any one of the questions, there is a definite warning that you may be an alcoholic.

If you have answered YES to any two, the chances are that you are an alcoholic.

If you have answered YES to three or more, you are definitely an alcoholic.

Sparks answered YES to 12 of these questions in 1987

Oh yeah, the blackouts, they were scary!!!

Dec 9, 2007 at 04:12 PM : Jewels, what I think...

Jewels, what I think you need to do is re-read what I wrote and quit judging me. I never said I wasn't an alcoholic. I was simply making fun of you for not believing me when I said I was an alcoholic. Did you not see at the bottom of the 20 question where I said I answered 12 YES? We have been through this before. Your anger at me being different than you and your inability to accept my truth is getting kind of irritating. I will NOT stop sponsoring people simply because you don't agree with the way I live my life. It's NOT all about you. My sponsees, disagree with you, but then they don't believe every book is written in stone either. None of my sponsees have relapsed/drank again, and I have sponsored some of them for over 15 years. So again you are incorrect in your assesment of me being a sponsor. You can continue to bash who I am, but I will not be responding to your posts in the future. I have much better things to do with my time.

LIVE and LET LIVE

Dec 9, 2007 at 05:12 PM : I hate it when you two...

I hate it when you two get on this particular subject. I remember last time. You both believe in your "steps" 110% and it is commendable. I respect what both of you say and really listen to most of your comments. It just pains me when I see this subject with you two---I don't know you two personally, but I think I would be proud to. It's almost like seeing two of your best friends fighting....except I only know you from here. Hope you two agree to disagree and keep on opening my eyes on other topics.

Dec 9, 2007 at 06:12 PM : Ditto Colitas, it...

Ditto Colitas, it pains me as well. I am more than happy to agree to disagree with Jewels. But, I don't disagree with her in the first place, I think the way she follows the steps is in HER best interests and indeed the best way for most alcoholics. I understand her belief that no alcoholic can ever drink, I only know of one other person like me in the hundreds of alcoholics I have met. Sadly I'm an oddball and she can't accept the fact that I was once an alcoholic, and yet today I drink occasionally. without a problem, or an urge to get drunk.

Other than telling her an untruth, what can I do Colitas??? I won't bash her, two wrongs do not make a right and I don't get angry anymore in order to live a normal life. Thus, I choose to do nothing, I simply will not respond to her posts anymore.. Don't let this sadden you Colitas. Such is life.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Dec 9, 2007 at 07:12 PM : Geez, reading over...

Geez, reading over those alcoholic questions- I answered YES to three of them! But they didn't mention frequency of drinking, haha! I don't think that getting piss drunk twice a year makes me an alcoholic :)

Dec 9, 2007 at 07:12 PM : Honestly, anyone who...

Honestly, anyone who drinks at all would probably answer yes to at least 2.

Dec 10, 2007 at 09:12 AM : Yeah, maybe we should...

Yeah, maybe we should stay off this subject....GOD (that i DO believe in) grant me the serenity...Love you too Colitas...I guess on this particular subject I am one sided. Sorry but that is the way i feel. No hard feelings. I see now that you were being sarcastic and saying you were an alcoholic. My bad. I just know that for 99.9999% of alcoholics~real alcoholics (as the book calls them), cannot take that drink, for if real alcoholic it is fatal. I am really not such a bad person.

man, i thought we were talking about God or no God or whatever, why do we have to talk about alcoholism....geez i need a drink :)

Dec 10, 2007 at 09:12 AM : i erased my comment...

i erased my comment about your sponsorship status, that was just a shi%%y thing to say. I mean sponsees could be reading this and I wouldnt want to taint thier progress by being such a stubborn beeoch

Dec 10, 2007 at 09:12 AM : Man made booze - god...

Man made booze - god made pot...Who do you trust? :)

But Benjamin Franklin said beer was proof god wanted man to be happy.

Dec 10, 2007 at 09:12 AM : Don't forget...

Don't forget Peyote and mushrooms.