[Avodah] 12 Step Programs

[Moshe Yehuda Gluck]

R' MB:
> Here's a version anotated with my concerns:
> > 1.   We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives
> had
> become unmanageable

This one always bothered me. And, as a founder of aishdas.org, I'm not sure
why it doesn't bother you. Don't we believe that a person can master his
actions? And, if it's past our nekudas habechirah, then aren't we not
responsible?

<SNIP>
> > 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact
> nature
> of our wrongs
> 
> And who would think I would complain about a cheshbon hanefesh or vidui?

Vidui to Hashem and ourselves is A-OK. But vidui to another human being is
not - on an Avierah not publicly known - ayin OC 607:2 and the MB there.

> > 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character
> > 7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings
> 
> And here's where things bother me.
> 
> It just smells Xian. Something about turning to a deity for salvation
> rather
> than one redeeming oneself. Hakol biydei Shamayim chutz meyir'as Shamayim.
> We
> could and should ask for Hashem's help, that our efforts succeed, that we
> face
> situations that foster improvement and don't pose challenges we can not
> surmount. But to ask Him to do it for us?

Ayin Maharsha Berachos 10a, s.v. Chatai'im K'siv, who seems to say that
asking Hashem to return one's self in teshuvah is part of Ha'rotzeh L'Taher
M'sayin Oso. Ayin sham.

KT,
MYG