post by Dana Taylor

The time feels right to tackle the daunting task of blogging about A COURSE IN MIRACLES. To those well-versed in ACIM, I apologize now for any clumsy moments. The next few posts will merely serve as an appetizer for the spiritually hungry. To get full, you’ll have to swallow the full meal by purchasing your own copy of ACIM and take it one bite at a time.

Here you’ll simply get an idea of what the Course is and isn’t and decide for yourself if you want to investigate it further. Okay, here goes:

1. What is A Course in Miracles?

Simply put, it’s a book of channeled material, written in the 1970’s. From ACIM.org:

About the Scribes

Helen Schucman, Ph.D., was a clinical and research psychologist, who held the tenured position of Associate Professor of Medical Psychology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. A Course in Miracles was “scribed” by Dr. Schucman between 1965 and 1972 through a process of inner dictation. She experienced the process as one of a distinct and clear dictation from an inner voice, which earlier had identified itself to her as Jesus. Helen Schucman’s scribing of A Course in Miracles began with these words: “This is a course in miracles, please take notes.”

William Thetford, Ph.D., was a tenured Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Director of the Psychology Department at the Presbyterian Hospital in New York City for whom Dr. Schucman worked. As her trusted friend and colleague also, Dr. Thetford assisted and supported Dr. Schucman throughout the Course’s scribing, including the events that led up to it. A vital participant, Dr. Thetford acted as transcriber throughout the entire process by typing the material from the scribed notes that Dr. Schucman had taken down and would dictate to him almost daily.

A Course in Miracles is not a new religion, although it is being incorporated into many people’s spiritual beliefs. There are many teachers, although the book itself can be studied independently. ACIM is divided into five parts: Preface, Text, Workbook for Students, Manual for Teachers, Clarification of Terms.

Think of it like a graduate course with Jesus Christ as the prof.

That’s right, the material is credited to Jesus Christ himself as the source. The terminology will feel familiar to those with Christian backgrounds. Phrases like “Holy Spirit,” “Atonement,” “Son of God,” are used liberally.

The message can be summed up in one word: Forgiveness.

Of course, your understanding of what forgiveness actually means will be challenged, expanded, and explored as you wade through the pages.

ACIM is not a quick, easy read. It’s not The Secret.

The Course is about changing how you look at the world and perceive “reality.” In fact, it totally challenges your concept of reality and might just obliterate it.

What began as a photo copied manuscript a few decades ago has now been translated into 22 languages by the The Foundation for Inner Peace. They foster study groups around the globe. Celebrating 50 years since the course was scribed, the Foundation for Inner Peace has been sharing moments with the original receivers of the information, Dr. Helen Schucman and Dr. William Thetford. Enjoy this moment when Bill shares the ACIM version of The Lord’s Prayer. CLICK HERE

ACIM is a philosophy. It can be a revelation, a game changer, a new way of living. It can be a path to the peace of God.

Next: The Voice Speaks

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   “A book not just to read, but experience” Tampa Bay Examiner

Ebook and paperback available at Amazon