MovieChat Forums > A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014) Discussion > 12 Steps

12 Steps

posted 8 years ago by Vashramana
5 replies | jump to latest

Wow, I had no idea they were that religious. I never heard them all listed before and I was really surprised at how overtly "Christian" they are.

[–] mikegermanio 8 years ago

They use the word "God" a lot because it was formed in the 1930's and the founding members were all from Christian backgrounds. The verbage was never changed but it's not so much meant as God as in a Christian God, it's meant as a God of your understanding. Basically it's meant to help members find a spiritual footing, whether it's witgw God or some other higher power that you could put your faith in, such as in the "spirit of the universe" or whatever. I hope that clarifies it for you a bit.

[–] lexyladyjax 8 years ago

The Steps are not religious nor are they Christian. If a person believes that there is a power higher than themselves, they can recover. It can be a tree, or the group or the planet. A belief in God is not necessary for recovery but all faiths and beliefs are welcome.

[–] Vashramana 8 years ago

Okay fair enough, but it is still extremely religious in that one must admit that there is a higher power and that you are powerless unless you give in to that archaic way of thinking. That would never work on me...so I guess it is a good thing I never drink alcohol.

[–] ladive 7 years ago

You're correct: It is a religious organization. Just because it's vague doesn't mean it's not.

[–] ladive 7 years ago

What was even the point of that scene where the 12 steps were listed? I feel dense but i don't understand how that related to anything that was going on. In fact the whole alcoholism thing seemed to have no link whatsoever to the story.