A Course in Miracles aims to change your perception of reality and your life. It says that this world is really a dream and that you can overcome problems like cancer, impotence, depression and addiction by learning to forgive.
The book has gained a following that rivals those of other New Age philosophies. Its devotees say they can reduce weight, cure illnesses and even reverse aging by changing their beliefs.
A Course in Miracles (ACIM)
The Course in Miracles (ACIM) is a self-study curriculum that presents a spiritual way of life based on contact with the Holy Spirit or "internal teacher." It mixes Christian terminology with Eastern mysticism and perennial philosophy, as well as modern psychological insights. ACIM has gained popularity and widespread attention through its teachings on attitudinal healing, bestselling books such as those of Marianne Williamson and Iyanla Vanzant, and in Unity churches and prisons.
Helen Schucman, a non-observant Jewish associate professor of psychology, began to have a series of inner visions, heightened dreams, and psychic experiences in the fall of 1965. After she heard an inner voice say, "This is a course in miracles, please take notes," she dictated and scribed what would eventually become the Book of ACIM.
The first printed edition was published by the Foundation for Parasensory Investigation in June 1976, with volume one comprising the entire ACIM "Text," and volumes two and three consisting of the Workbook and Teacher's Manual sections. This is the version of ACIM most familiar to the vast majority of its students.
It is a universal course that is open to all. Its central theme is the transformation of consciousness through forgiveness. Although it uses Christian terms, the Course makes no claims to be a religion and says that "it is not intended to teach a new theology or promote any particular faith." a course in miracles
The course offers practical instruction on such key concepts as personal responsibility, the illusory nature of the ego-self, and the holy relationship. It also encourages the use of creative imagination, and calls for an attitude of gratitude for all that is. In addition, it teaches that the only true source of happiness is the experience of love and forgiveness.
The teachings of the Course can be found in all major world religions. It is a restatement of the core wisdom found in every major religion and affirms that all paths lead to God. David Miller's book is a substantive and illuminating overview of this spiritual movement. His unique perspective allows him to examine ACIM from the point of view of a student who has studied many pathways and found this one to be the most complete and useful in his own experience.
ACIM Study Groups
A Course in Miracles is a self-study spiritual thought system that offers a way to experience love and inner peace. It is non-sectarian and focuses on forgiveness. It is based on the idea that there is only one universal God and that love is all-encompassing. It also teaches that guilt is an illusion and that the only way to true happiness is through forgiving others.
ACIM Study Groups are a great place to meet other local ACIM students and share your own thoughts about the principles taught in the Course. You can join an online group using Zoom or attend a physical meeting in person. These groups are led by teachers of ACIM and can be an invaluable resource for your spiritual journey.
It is important to remember that there is no one right way to run an ACIM study group. Some groups mix the Course with other materials, while others focus solely on the Course. Some groups use secondary sources such as the writings of a particular Course teacher. However, it is recommended that a group spend the majority of each session reading and practicing the Course material itself.
Ideally, study groups should begin and end each meeting with a prayer. This can be a short reading from the Course or a prayer of your choice. This will help set the tone for the rest of the meeting and help everyone feel comfortable in the space. It is also helpful to have a brief introduction period where everyone can tell their name and what they are studying for the meeting.
It is also a good idea to encourage members of the group to read the Course daily, outside of the group meetings. This practice will increase their understanding of the material and prepare them for the weekly discussion sessions. It will also help them to be able to answer questions that may arise during the meetings. Finally, it is important to remember that the goal of the group is to help people learn to shift their perception from fear to Love. This can be a challenging task for some people, but it is ultimately worth the effort.
ACIM Classes
A Course in Miracles is a self-study spiritual thought system that teaches the way to universal love through forgiveness. It combines profound spiritual teachings with far-reaching psychological insights. This spiritual path has touched the lives of over a million people worldwide. The Course has three volumes: a 669-page Text, which describes the theoretical foundation of the thought system; a 488-page Workbook for Students, which contains daily lessons to train the mind of the student along the lines set forth in the Text; and a 92-page Manual for Teachers, which answers questions that arise about the lessons and clarifies terms used in the Course.
During the fall of 1965, Helen Schucman had a series of inner visions, heightened dreams and psychic experiences that culminated in an inner dictation from Jesus Christ. He instructed her to write down these teachings as a guide to help others find their way back home to God. In 1976, this book, A Course in Miracles was published. Its premise is that the greatest miracle is gaining the awareness of God’s love for you.
The Course is an intellectually sophisticated spiritual system that combines spiritual inspiration with deep psychological understanding of such issues as belief and defense systems, perception and identity. Its language is rich and poetic, and its themes are drawn from some of the world’s great literature. Its practicality is evident in its daily Workbook lessons, which can be practiced by anyone who has a willingness to let go of ego-based fear and guilt.
There are many different ways to take the Course, but to learn it well requires really participating. That means not just showing up to class, but participating fully – giggling, whispering, shooting spit wads at the teacher, passing notes, gawking at members of the opposite sex and not doing your homework (bring back any memories?). It takes time and energy to do it well, but that is how you will truly learn it.
Whether you are new to ACIM or have been studying it for a while, this class is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow students and share in the study of A Course in Miracles. The instructor, Jennifer Feiereisel, breaks down the Course’s difficult concepts into topical and subject matter studies so that you can get a complete understanding of the text, the Workbook lessons and the Manual for Teachers. She also offers free Q & A’s that can be used as study aids in your study group or on the Daily Lesson Insights page.
ACIM Teachers
A Course in Miracles is a self-study system of "spiritual psychology" that has touched the lives of more than a million people worldwide. It combines profound spiritual teachings with far-reaching and practical psychological insights. Its goal is to lead its students to an experience beyond words. This is accomplished through an intentional and careful structure that includes study of the Course's three volumes: the Text, the Workbook, and the Manual for Teachers.
The Text is to be read and studied, the Workbook is to be practiced and its lessons performed, and the Manual for Teachers is intended to serve as a brief summary of Course principles. But a quick look at the Preface, written by Helen Schucman, raises an important question: Why does the Manual for Teachers have this title?
Many of us are familiar with the phrase that says, "To reach a state of perfect peace we must first realize that the world we live in is a nightmare." But most of us have never been given a clear picture of what it means to wake up from this nightmare.
Fortunately, ACIM teaches that it's possible to escape this nightmare through a change of perception. We can learn to see this world as a dream, which makes it possible to rebuff pain and sickness, forgive others and ourselves, and find true happiness.
ACIM Teachers are dedicated to helping their students to experience a shift in consciousness that brings them into a more loving and accepting relationship with themselves, with others, and with God. They are available to answer questions, give guidance and support, and help their students to understand the deeper meaning of the material in the Course. They are also often available to offer group classes and workshops.
Usually, an ACIM teacher will have completed all three of the Course's volumes – the Text, the Workbook, and the manual for teachers. They may have taught the Course for years, or they may be new to it. Some ACIM teachers teach in a traditional church setting, while others hold workshops and classes outside the context of a particular religion. Others teach independently, either through one-on-one counseling or by running an online class.