Comments on: Spenders Anonymous: Twelve Steps to Beating the Addiction to Spending

By: tonester

tonester — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:47:44 +0000

There’s no such as God. Why is god a He/Him again?

No one has been able to answer my question.

By: Brian Taylor

Brian Taylor — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:49:04 +0000

I am seven years clean and sober and the 12 steps of A.A. saved my rear end. The problem with an addiction is that it is a symptom of something else gone wrong between my ears, or I am not comfortable in my own skin. Therefore I find some way to escape these feelings of inadacecy ie. drinking, drugs, gambling, sex, overeating, over spending etc. What ever it takes so I can escape the real world if only for a little while. The whole idea of the God thing is to believe in a power greater than me that can relieve me of myself! My mind is like a bad neighborhood it’s a dangerous place to go into alone. I go to meetings, pray, meditate, call other people in recovery who have been where I am at and it grounds me and they don’t co-sign my bull#&*@ and they tell me what I need to hear. The biggest problem I have is I want what I want and I want it right now. My needs are met and sometimes my wants are a plesant surprise, I believe the man upstairs takes care of my behind everyday and if things are not going my way it’s because I am not GETTING MY WAY! WAAAAAA

By: melissa

melissa — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:38:43 +0000

I attend Alanon and was really freaked by all the references to God. After a year of attending very inspirational meetings, I can honestly say the term God does not bother me at all any more – it’s God as you define it ie. could be the power of a group; earth mother; the Golden Rule; friendship; family, etc – I haven’t even figured out what my higher power is but knowing the term God is only what I choose to define takes the religious nature out of it for me.

By: Lisa Knight

Lisa Knight — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 13:01:32 +0000

Ok, not sure why we are debating religion here… but by definition Atheism is a faith in something, just not God. If you believe in nothing you are agnostic… That said…

I think that the 6 & 7 are key in that you have to admit there is something bigger than you in the world & that your actions have consequences. So binge spending isn’t any better than binge drinking, eating, etc… An addiction is an addiction & if admiting that you aren’t in complete control (obviously demonstrated by the out of control actions that got you to that point) don’t you need to beleive that SOMETHING is… otherwise how do you stop? Why stop?

There has to be something in your mind you are accountable to, family, friends, God, whatever works for you. I just don’t think you can break the cycle for just you, otherwise you wouldn’t be there now.

This is a great guide on how to break the addiction of spending! Thanks!!!

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 02:22:50 +0000

I like the approach. It’s a good motivator for the weak and confused. I think everybody needs to pray ones in a while. It could reduce the burden we are carrying. Also helps us overcome obstacles.

By: TF Miser

TF Miser — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 20:31:42 +0000

Being an atheist doesn’t require any faith. It is also possible to have a moral life without having a moral law giver. Since the U.S. is predominately a Christian culture you should be ok being guided by culture.

I have overcome a gambling problem without the help of any 12-step program or religion. Only you can change your life.

By: Moe

Moe — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 13:55:16 +0000

I don’t have big enough faith to be an atheist… That’s what gets us here in the first place. With that said, a moral law giver gives us the road to a moral life, even when it comes to spending. If we are guided by culture, we will be doomed with culture. I always like the early Apple ads, “Think different”. Swim against the current. Specially when it comes to this spend all, save none, credit is your friend culture.

By: rhbee

rhbee — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:59:32 +0000

As a non theist, I think the whole argument when couched in theist rhetoric is suspect. Next thing I know, you’ll be telling us that a tithe of 10% is another way to be thrifty.

By: DaveN

DaveN — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 03:48:55 +0000

I totally agree with this approach.

As a Christ-follower, I know that surrendering myself (including my finances) to God is one of the most important things I can do. Paul states it very well in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” [NIV]

Of course, “The only problem with a living sacrifice is it wants to crawl off the alter.”

By: Danni

Danni — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 03:35:50 +0000

Can it also cure problems in spending too much in casinos. I think that it’s a different addiction, but there’s still a point where you can’t stop spending money.

By: plonkee

plonkee — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:12:51 +0000

As an atheist, I have always thought the language of A.A. type 12 step programmes to be very off-putting. However, in general, I can see how they can be effective for lots of people – including people addicted to spending.

The biggest problem I have is with no.s 6 & 7. Its difficult to see how they can be translated for the godless. As a non-believer, I don’t think that anyone other than ourselves can alter our characters, but I do think its helpful to believe in something bigger than yourself (personally I believe in humanity).

I’m guessing 7 is supposed to have the effect of causing you to believe that your shortcomings are not a permanent part of your character. What do you think?