As a proud athiest, I find that the religious tones of this organisation push me away, rather than pull me into a system of overcoming my addiction. Wouldn't the ratio of gamers show a higher degree of athiesm anyway? Or does this more reflect the ideologies of an American culture rather one that can be shared universally?
Is this feeling shared by other members?
James, I don't mean to poke fun, but you've been a member here for a grand total of 43 minutes and this is your very first post. I would really, really encourage you to do a little more reading here before you make sweeping judgments about who we are, what we do, and how we do it. You will see that in actuality we bend over backwards to extend a helping hand to folks of all persuasions, religious, atheist, agnostic, or other.
We can help you, atheist or not, but you have to be willing to put in a modicum of effort first.
Jane in CT
Hi & welcome!
Thank you for your honesty/sharing. I agree with you, there are a lot of religious tones here. I think it is because this group is based on the 12-steps, and these types of programs encourage people to find a higher power. This "higher power" can be anything, and each person is free to decide who or what their higher power is. And yes, I do believe that a higher power is a crutch. However, as an addict I need one.
Some people choose to lean on a "god" of their understanding, while others lean on the people in this group. We are here to support one another in recovery, regardless of creed, race, sex, etc. Part of this support is being tolerant of the beliefs of others. Though many of us come from different backgrounds and have different ideologies, we are unified by our common problem: gaming addiction. I promise you, it doesn't matter to me what you believe or don't believe, that's not why I am here. I hope its not why you are here either. You can get support in your recovery and stay a proud athiest, all at the same time. For real.
Peace,
JJ
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other" -Abraham Lincoln
There is an entire section just for atheists on this site if you somehow feel threatened..everyone has different beliefs, the purpose of this site is for support. some here are very religious ..some aren't..just like the rest of the world. i would like to point out that keeping to subject of your addiction is far more important right now than instigating some kind of theological debate. We just want to help one another here, that is the most important thing. believe whatever you want, just keep to the real reason for being here.
Rob
When there is nothing left, There is Hope
im atheist too and i just ignore the religious stuff
there are other helpful things you can find
-M H A-
Welcome, jand141!
This is a very good question to pose right out of the chute. One of the reasons that I appreciate this site and the people here is that this is a "community that is open to all who seek support". It is a place where there can be a "healing journey for all of us". And the "message forums are available to all, regardless of bias or opinion." {And may i add, "regardless of religion, spirituality, personal faith, or none of those."}
I've found so much practical help here, from individuals who are of like mind and otherwise. It's ok. If a muzzle were placed on any, including you or me, it surely wouldn't be as powerful and assistive as it is on this site. In a nutshell, so many at OLGA really care. And that's what it's about. Plus they have experience and wisdom to share! Whether we are of similar mind/heart sets or not, there is civility and open-mindedness. I don't believe i've ever seen someone trying to convince, argue, or strong-arm someone else on this site, belief-wise. So if you wish, please try not to be overly concerned about that.
Sincerely, and again, "Welcome!"
IHS
The 12-step program works. That is an historical fact one cannot ignore. In reality, as far as addiction to alcohol is concerned, it is the ONLY thing that has ever worked and is the reason it is endorsed by medicine and psychology.
For years and years everytime I heard or saw the word "God" in a 12 step program I'd exchange that word mentally with one I found less triggering emotionally. For a while I used "macaroni and cheese" then later switched to "godess", then still later to "life". Today I can hear or read the word God and not view it as a personal attack on my beliefs.
What I learned is that by being offended by things like a word I don't like I was focussing on the differences between myself and other people - today I try to focus on the similarities. Focussing on the differences was a way for me to be able to intellectually remove myself from my illness and somehow think of myself as "too good" or "not as sick" or "not as blah blah blah whatever" as the other people who were struggling through some of the same issues as myself.
I'm still an atheist - I just no longer feel threatened or attacked by the wording of the 12 steps and traditions.
I hope you find a way to make yourself feel comfortable here and that you keep coming back.
< 3
"Be at least as interested in what goes on inside you as what happens outside. If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place."
Eckhart Tolle
Athiests and agnostics can and do utilize the Steps, both in this program and other 12 step fellowships.
If you are interested in debate on the topic, might I direct you to search the forums for existing older topics that already covered this. Every now and again we have athiests arrive at the site and their first post may be along the lines of what you have posted. Please realize that as addicts we tend to be oversensitive, lack a sense of proportion and have an inability to think straight. That same brain that tells you "this site is doing it all wrong" is also the same one that tells you to game beyond the point of reason and fun.
In particular, if you find yourself resenting that the program can work for athiests and theists, you might want to consider that resentments fuel much of our addiction and are sort of our "default setting". I would recommend you look for commanality. We have no agenda to turn you into a theist, or join a religion, etc. It's just not something we want. We do want to be helpful, and hope that if you really want to stay stopped from gaming, that you know you are more welcome here than you can possibly know right now.
Cheers, Desire to Stop
ALL quoted text (unless otherwise stated) comes from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (with wording sometimes changed only to make it more relevant for gaming addiction). I will include page numbers.
Hoping & praying for a measure of recovery for all of us today.
Here's the link
http://www.olganon.org/?q=forum/25
Leveling in Real Life
Hi Jand141,
It seems to me that there are more "outward" Christians on this forrum than a year ago when I was here. However, I promise there are many atheisits and agnostics as well. Its all about healing and not about converting. I agree with what other people have told you on this thread: I haven't seen any attempts at converting anyone. You have to realize that religion is VERY important to many people and is a big part of their healing. I'm happy for them. If it works for them, then great!
Give it some time. You'll find people (religious and non-religious) here are very good folks. Just be tolerant and know that everyone is trying to help.
Addicted to SL
Hi Jand141
It's unfortunate but for the time being the religious terms free meetings that were held on Sunday's have taken a bit of a hiatus. There are quite a few members on this site who are atheist or agnostic. Personally my method of dealing with terms like 'higher power' or 'god' is to think of these as semantics for 'knowledge' after all that is the only thing that moves us forward. If we don't learn then we can't progress. So basically I'm saying nothing more than stick with this site, don't get hung up on religious trivialities and grow toward a healthier you. Everyone here is only interested in assisting you, and in return ask that you help us and others in return. After all that's why we're here.
Dude I am a self described agnostic ( I say that because I think most agnostics and athiests have a somewhat dogmatic attitude, which is not unlike those who follow religion, at their core, which frightens me) and I would suggest you getting a sponsor and working the steps. Judgement prior to investigation is what the religious right do. Anyway, keep coming back mate.
No, World of Tanks and Second Life, I will not play you or your brethren today. At least I hope not. one day at a tiiiiiiime. Last day I gamed is now 13 May 2012.
I dislike being immersed in a sea of loudly professing believers, but it's worth it to me to get the help I find here to quit gaming. I just try to ignore it and not let it distract me from my objective, which is to take advantage of the encouragement, advice, peer pressure and other elements I find here that are helping me to quit gaming for, now, 20 days. I was going to 12-step meetings before many of the posters here were even born, so when they advise me to give it a try I can take a pass on their suggestion without feeling too upset about it. Hey, it works for them and that's great. It's up to me to find what I need from what is available. And this is it, for gaming, anyway. If you want to learn about general tools for giving up maladaptive behaviors such as gaming, gambling, drinking, etc, I suggest SMART Recovery. McPhee