Tradition 10: An Oxymoron?
In theory it is a wonderful Tradition. In reality, there are many controversial issues and opinions that Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (AAWS) becomes involved in.As the old saying goes, by not making a decision you are making a decision. The same goes for not having an opinion.
By not taking sides, in theory, AA cannot put itself in a position other than that of neutrality. When neutral, there is no right or wrong nor is there a chance of problems diverting AA from its primary purpose of helping alcoholics recover if they (the alcoholic) desire to do so.
This Tradition is also some sort of oxymoron. Take 10 alcoholics and ask their opinions. You will probably get at least 12 opinions. All alcoholics have opinions, most of them strong ones. Controversy is what makes AA grow and prosper in a spiritual sense. It has been that way ever since AA began. All one needs to start a meeting is a resentment and a coffee pot.
AAWS itself goes into the public courts litigating to protect property. By doing so, AAWS violates the confidentiality and anonymity of individual AA members and thus incites public controversy.
AA the Fellowship and AAWS the business and publishing empire are different entities. As a Spiritual Fellowship, AA members, meetings and groups help carry on this Tradition as it was intended by our founding members. As a business, AAWS has often violated this Tradition and places AA in jeopardy.
Just a personal opinion...
Mitchell
More about Tradition 10
Tradition 10: Outside Opinions
By not expressing opinions on outside issues, 12 step groups attempt to avoid controversy.Sticking to the Book
"A.A. tries harder than any other fellowship I've seen to stay with the message exactly as it was written."Keep it Simple
"Sometimes 'opinions' or treatment center jargon get passed off as A.A. lore."
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