3 ms·

Could it be that one of AA's goals is the creation of a population of donors to keep their organization funded, just like any other organized religious group?

Could it be that one of AA's goals is the creation of a population of donors to keep their organization funded, just like any other organized religious group? This would explain the reluctance to admit that alcohol addiction is not a 'lifelong disease' that requires lifetime committment to AA, wouldn't it? Regardless, promoting bogus scientific claims in the name of social good does actual harm to people. It's one of the reasons for the whole anti-vax thing, and the resulting measles outbreaks, for example.

gitfan86 5y ago
I think it is a stretch to think that this is a money making endeavor. Scams to make money like MLMs and Scientology prioritize payment over adherence to the tenants of the organization. And the leaders are paid millions of dollars and live luxurious lives. AA is more like the Salvation Army. It is a group that clearly believes things that are not scientifically true, but most people join with good intentions.
- as_bntd 5y ago
  I don't know much about the Salvation Army beyond hearing their name in passing, but what are their scientifically false beliefs? I looked at the "Beliefs" section of their Wikipedia page but couldn't find, after 1 min or so of looking, a clearly stated scientifically false belief. Are you referring to this, which sounds similar to AA? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Salvation_Army#Adult_Rehabilitation_Centres https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Salvation_Army#Adult_Rehab...
  - gitfan86 5y ago
    From Wikipedia: "In November 2013 it was made known that the Salvation Army was referring LGBT individuals to one of several conversion therapy groups." The American Medical Association has never suggested there is scientific data proving this therapy to be successful at changing sexual orientation, in fact the scientific data proves the opposite, it is harmful.
tanseydavid 5y ago
Rather than engage in wild speculation why not attend some actual AA meetings? Open meetings permit anyone to attend as a visitor.
giraffe_lady 5y ago
I don't think you have much if any firsthand experience with how these orgs actually do work. It's especially funny because I am knowledgable on this subject, sympathetic to your concerns, had time and energy this morning to go into depth on the details and problems of AA and how I have chosen to engage with them over the years, and why so many of us continue to. If you had wanted to learn anything about the day to day fights against addiction as they are experienced, contradictions and all, this was a great opportunity. But you just couldn't get over this specific hangup of yours, and pissed it away. Good luck out there man I hope you never need us but we'll be here if you do.

gitfan86 5y ago

I think it is a stretch to think that this is a money making endeavor. Scams to make money like MLMs and Scientology prioritize payment over adherence to the tenants of the organization. And the leaders are paid millions of dollars and live luxurious lives. AA is more like the Salvation Army. It is a group that clearly believes things that are not scientifically true, but most people join with good intentions.

as_bntd 5y ago
I don't know much about the Salvation Army beyond hearing their name in passing, but what are their scientifically false beliefs? I looked at the "Beliefs" section of their Wikipedia page but couldn't find, after 1 min or so of looking, a clearly stated scientifically false belief. Are you referring to this, which sounds similar to AA? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Salvation_Army#Adult_Rehabilitation_Centres https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Salvation_Army#Adult_Rehab...
- gitfan86 5y ago
  From Wikipedia: "In November 2013 it was made known that the Salvation Army was referring LGBT individuals to one of several conversion therapy groups." The American Medical Association has never suggested there is scientific data proving this therapy to be successful at changing sexual orientation, in fact the scientific data proves the opposite, it is harmful.

tanseydavid 5y ago

Rather than engage in wild speculation why not attend some actual AA meetings? Open meetings permit anyone to attend as a visitor.

giraffe_lady 5y ago

I don't think you have much if any firsthand experience with how these orgs actually do work. It's especially funny because I am knowledgable on this subject, sympathetic to your concerns, had time and energy this morning to go into depth on the details and problems of AA and how I have chosen to engage with them over the years, and why so many of us continue to. If you had wanted to learn anything about the day to day fights against addiction as they are experienced, contradictions and all, this was a great opportunity. But you just couldn't get over this specific hangup of yours, and pissed it away. Good luck out there man I hope you never need us but we'll be here if you do.