In “Something Like Physics,” Mercy F. shares her journey in Overeaters Anonymous as an atheist who finds strength in spiritual practices without a traditional Higher Power, embracing instead the principles of Good Orderly Direction and “doing the next right thing.”
“As an atheist with a spiritual life, I’ve learned to embrace acceptance and the diverse spiritual paths within Overeaters Anonymous, choosing practices from various traditions that help me live in harmony without imposing one ‘right’ way to believe.”
“The speaker’s words, ‘I lost a whole person,’ struck me deeply, pushing me to finally confront my own struggles with food and find a path to lasting recovery through OA.”
“Spirituality, for me, is found in the transcendent connections with others—a sacred fellowship that nurtures, fulfills, and transforms, as beautifully experienced within OA meetings.”
In “An Atheist in OA,” the author shares their experience of finding spiritual recovery within Overeaters Anonymous without belief in a supernatural God, advocating for inclusivity and understanding toward those with differing spiritual views.
“In 2019, an atheist/agnostic Overeaters Anonymous meeting was founded in Bethesda, Maryland, with the aim of making OA more accessible to those with unconventional beliefs, offering a space where all members—believers and non-believers alike—can find support in their recovery journey.”