No Need to Know
“For those who feel they don’t quite belong in OA, I’m here to say you don’t have to believe in a particular God or way—your desire to stop eating compulsively is enough.”
“For those who feel they don’t quite belong in OA, I’m here to say you don’t have to believe in a particular God or way—your desire to stop eating compulsively is enough.”
Can an agnostic find recovery from binge eating in the OA program when it has so many references to God? In her own words, one agnostic OA member says, “This program works. I have not binged in over twelve years. If you are like me, I encourage you to attend one of the many atheist/agnostic/secular OA meetings. Hope to see you there!”
Bonnie, a longtime OA member, came into OA as a teen in the 1970s and reflects on the challenges and benefits of fitting in with older OA members. Bonnie says, “More young people who need OA are out there … I want to be the hand that says, “Welcome to Overeaters Anonymous. Welcome home.”
Isa experienced food addiction and body image issues from early childhood. “I would have done anything to be thin,” she says. After topping 242 pounds (110 kg), she joined OA and knew right away she was in the right place.
“An Atheist’s Prayer calls for strength in letting go of self-will, surrendering to the guidance of the program, and cultivating gratitude, growth, and serenity.”
Literature is one of our nine Tools of Recovery, but what if an OA member struggles with literacy? Here are suggestions to support these members in their recovery.
Unity Day is a day set aside to affirm the strength inherent in OA’s unity. Unity Day is celebrated in February on the last Saturday of the month in even years and the last Sunday in odd years. It is observed by OA groups worldwide at 11:30 a.m. local time.
Recorded in 1999 on the occasion of OA’s 40th anniversary, OA’s founder Rozanne S. shares her recollections of OA’s simple beginnings and giant strides. Listen and learn about the history of OA’s Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, world service, and early group conscience.