<論文>霊的成長における超越性と共同性の問題 : アルコール依存症からの回復とAA

Abstract

In view of many social problems in modern society, it seems necessary to think about spirituality. For example, addiction, such as alcoholism, is a typical spiritual problem. Spirituality stands for one's world view and one's relationship to the world (other people, nature, the universe and the God). Spiritual growth means a process of cognitive changes of one's world view and accompanying ontological changes. How can we relate to the God? How can we relate to other people? How can we transcend totalitarianism? In the recovery process of alcoholics in AA, and in the communality of AA, we find the key to these questions. In AA, alcoholism is said to be an illness of "will power". Alcoholics separate themselves from their will. And they try to control alcohol, other people and their selves. But to the extent that they try to control alcohol by drinking it, then they can't stop drinking. So, to recover from alcoholism, they must recognize their "powerlessness" to alcohol and surrender themselves to the God (=the Higher Power). Furthermore, AA mustn't be a cult. So AA has norms, the so called "12 traditions". They are for example the following, "the leader mustn't dominate AA", "the only authority in AA is 'the God of love'", "AA mustn't be organized". In this way, through the process of recognition of one's own "powerlessness", the alcoholic becomes humble and more intimate relationships become possible in AA. Spiritual growth means this process. But we can't be afraid that humbleness may turn into pride, and intimacy may turn mutual violence or codependence. We can't deny that there is a continuity between totalitarianism and intimacy. To maintain spiritual growth, it is important to continue to pray. But, prayer doesn't mean excluding our pride, but accepting that we can't be free from our pride or "will power". Such prayer gives us the humbleness and tolerance to accept ourselves as we are. In this article, in order to show the difference and the continuity between "the God of violence (=control, will-power)" and "the God of love (=intimacy)", I make use of R. Girard's theory about sacrifice. (*AA=Alcoholics Anonymous)