Sectarian Characteristics of Alcoholics Anonymous

Abstract

The practice of drawing too sharp a line between transcendental and non-transcendental belief systems is to be criticized, for there is often an overlap between them. Alcoholics Anonymous displays sectarian characteristics in its internal structure and behaviour. From available information on the development of Alcoholics Anonymous an appreciable level of religious commitment among members might be expected, but a study of groups on Merseyside did not find this. Many members felt the tone of A.A. to be too religious. Previous studies concerned with religious affiliation and alcohol consumption suggest a relationship between the two. A characteristic shared by such movements as sects and Alcoholics Anonymous is the high degree of involvement exhibited by their members. The underlying common structure of apparently dissimilar movements deserves further examination which it is hoped will throw light on sect structure and secular value-oriented organizations.