2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Again, this stems directly from Oxford Group Movement teachings. Oxford Groupers fervently believed that the individual was powerless and that there was an all-powerful God who could, and would, solve all human problems if "men" would only turn their lives over to "Him." Of course, this belief implies the existence of a God which can only be described as crudely anthropomorphic—a God vitally concerned with human problems, including the most trivial. It's difficult to see the results of such a belief as anything other than atrocious. In the Oxford Groups, it led, as The Christian Century pointed out, to Frank Buchman's desire for "a God controlled Fascist dictator"; and in AA it leads to personal powerlessness, learned helplessness, and other-directedness.

As well, the very religiosity of step 2 is a major problem for many persons. Like steps 3, 5, 6, 7 and 11, step 2 refers to "God," "Him," or "a Power greater than ourselves." (Note the capitalization.) This poses obvious problems for those who believe that the existence of God is no more likely than the existence of Mother Goose. It's little wonder that a great many atheists and agnostics reject AA and its steps rather than renounce their honest beliefs—though often only after being pushed in self-destructive directions by AA's "one drink, one drunk," "progressive" illness, and "AA is the last house on the street" dogmas.

When AA newcomers express doubts about the religiosity of the second step, they're normally told that their "Higher Power" can be anything they choose. Doorknobs, bedpans, and AA itself are often suggested as "Higher Powers" for atheist and agnostic newcomers. It doesn't seem to bother those making such suggestions that the very next step explicitly mentions "God."

The second step is also harmful to religious persons in that it reinforces individual powerlessness and learned helplessness. It encourages AA members to be dependent. This is directly contrary to the normal therapeutic goal of helping individuals to become independent and self-directed.

Step 2 Satire

You may come to believe in the blind faith that only Santa Claus / Tooth Fairy can restore you to sanity if you were really insane. Remember that we are a religious cult, not a spiritual organization. Higher courts have already ruled on this. Step 2 also reinforces individual powerlessness and learned helplessness. Don’t forget that you are insane. Also you must come to believe that the world is flat. Keep coming back and keep saying you are glad to be here.