I'm not going to agree with many of their specific points, but it is a very boring film. I've watched it five or six times trying to figure out why it's considered a classic -- don't get it. I'm sincerely happy for those who enjoy it, but I can't imagine being on the edge of my seat through any part of it.
Won't hurt what? What is this message they think atheists want to get across? I don't believe in the existence of God (nor to I believe in His non-existence) but I just don't get people who get all evangelical about their lack of belief. If leaving people alone and getting on with life isn't the cornerstone of one's atheism, you're doing it wrong.
It's a good thing people are finally thinking about making clothing out of growable, renewable plant matter that... wait, hang on a sec (checks shirt tag -- 100% cotton)... oh. Never mind.
Alas, the numbers show that AA doesn't work any better than cold turkey. Both have a 12-month success rate of around 5%, according to AA's own numbers.
So the question becomes, why *doesn't* AA work? Perhaps because it insists on calling alcoholism a disease (highly debatable) while refusing to treat it as one (the only cure is turning your life over to God)? Or because it preaches self-victimization rather than empowerment? Or because it's really kind of a cult?
And yes, I have first-hand experience with 12-step programs. There is value in 12-step, for sure, and some good ideas. Also some very bad ones.
SWIDT???
So the question becomes, why *doesn't* AA work? Perhaps because it insists on calling alcoholism a disease (highly debatable) while refusing to treat it as one (the only cure is turning your life over to God)? Or because it preaches self-victimization rather than empowerment? Or because it's really kind of a cult?
And yes, I have first-hand experience with 12-step programs. There is value in 12-step, for sure, and some good ideas. Also some very bad ones.