A Course in Miracles is written at a very high intellectual level and contains sophisticated metaphysical, theological and psychological concepts. A student of the Course must have an intellectual background to benefit from its teaching.
Forgive Yourself, Heal Your Family: Applying the Principles of A Course in Miracles to Family Relationships 6 CD audio book by Rev. Maria Felipe.
What is a course in miracles?
A Course in Miracles (ACIM) is a self-study spiritual thought system that combines profound spiritual teachings with far-reaching and practical psychological insights. Published in 1976, the ACIM has become a modern spiritual classic and is widely read in many languages worldwide. Often described as an “esoteric bible,” it has been an important influence on the growth of the “spiritual but not religious” movement in Western culture.
The Course teaches that we are all part of God and therefore have the same innate spiritual qualities as Him. In the world of form, these are expressed as love, joy, peace, and oneness. The Course focuses on awakening to these qualities by examining our belief systems and changing our perceptions of reality. This is achieved through a process of forgiveness that leads to recognizing the truth about ourselves, others, and our world.
While the Course uses Christian terminology, it is not a religion and does not require that you adopt any beliefs or join any organization. It explains that it is simply a different way of looking at the world, and it teaches that all paths lead to God in the end.
Bill and Helen Schucman were Columbia University psychology students who became disillusioned with the anger and division in their world. They decided to find a way of being that was more peaceful and loving, and in 1965, Helen began having inner experiences including visions and heightened dreams. During this time, an inner voice spoke to her saying, “This is a course in miracles. Please take notes.” The dictations were completed over seven years, and in 1976, A Course in Miracles was published. The book is a three volume workbook that includes the Text, a manual for teachers, and 365 daily lessons. No author is credited for the book, and Helen credits the voice that dictated it as Jesus Christ.
The Course is written in an intellectually sophisticated style that has led to it being compared to the works of Shakespeare and other literary giants. Its spiritual inspiration is combined with a rich understanding of such psychological topics as belief and defense systems, perception and identity, and guilt and fear.
What is the purpose of a course in miracles?
In a world where many people are suffering from anxiety, depression and even anxiety attacks, A Course in Miracles provides a spiritual and psychological path that can lead to healing. Its teachings are designed to help us remember the love and peace of God, while also providing a way to release our attachments to the worldly things that hold us back.
A Course in Miracles is a modern spiritual classic that has become an important resource for those looking for relief from their suffering. It is often compared to other religious teachings, but it differs in that it is not attempting to change its students’ religious beliefs, morals or behavior in the manner of most religions. Rather, it describes itself as a form of’mind training,’ aiming to change the way that human consciousness typically works.
The Course is a book that was published in 1976 by Helen Schucman, a teacher of psychology who claimed to have received its words through a process she called “inner dictation.” Although it does not identify her as the author, the text makes it clear that she is only the scribe and that the true author is an inner voice that she has identified as Jesus.
In the Course, a miracle is defined as a shift of perception and belief that leads to a remembrance of the truth about oneself, others and reality. This shift is accomplished by forgiving all our perceived mistakes and learning to see the good in everyone and everything. In this way, we experience the “perfect love, perfect peace, perfect freedom and perfect oneness” that the Course and all major spiritual paths speak of.
The teachings of the Course are presented in three volumes: the Text, which presents the theory; the Workbook, a year’s worth of daily lessons to train the mind in applying the theory; and the Manual for Teachers, which offers guidance on how to teach the Course. While there is no “correct” or “best” method for studying the Course, it is emphasized that it should be done under the direction of a teacher and with a group of students who support each other in their study.