I think this, whie also being prepared to be proven wrong:
"For it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
That's what this walk is to me. A growing 'seeing Him like He is' that will only be culminated in the resurrection.
In the meantime, you, nor I, nor Ray 'see' God the same way and with the same fulness. In a sense we are all unwitting 'idolators' because we cannot know in full now, so whatever we 'see' of God is at best lacking.
He will introduce Himself in all His aspects when the time is right. To me, that's what He is doing in AA/Alanon and it's participants--using their common and specific problem to draw them into a greater knowledge and dependecny on Him--even if they don't understand the HIM any better than anybody else.
I kind of wish I could go, as I believe that they could teach me a thing or three about depending on God. And since they don't 'preach' any other message related to our walk with Him--at least not formally--I don't believe I would be in danger of being led back to bondage.
The organizations themselves are just that--organizations. And made up of individuals who have their own faults and strengths. It can't replace your personal walk with God, but it may be good to be with other flesh struggling.
That's what I think...but I am nobody's guide to Godly living.