A Course in Miracles

 

A Course In Miracles could fairly be called the bible of the “spiritual but not religious” movement that has slowly gained ground over the last few decades. Described as a self-study curriculum, ACIM mixes Christian terminology with Eastern mysticism and perennial philosophy. It has even made inroads in Unity churches and prisons. The course is taught in a non-denominational format and there is no accurate way to track its student base, but it would seem to be well into the millions worldwide.

It was written in the 1960s and ’70s, when the American spiritual landscape was awash with entrepreneurs of the esoteric—people who claimed to be conduits for Native American spirits, warriors from lost continents, or even voices from other planets. It was out of this milieu that A course in miracles bubbled to the surface, though Helen Schucman, who wrote the book, was an unlikely mystic—her parents were nonpracticing Jews and she studied to be a psychologist at New York University.

The Course, which consists of a 669-page Text, a 466-page Workbook, and a 92-page Manual for Teachers, was allegedly dictated to Schucman word for word by an Inner Voice she identified as Jesus or the Holy Spirit. The author, a teacher of psychology, claimed to be an atheist or agnostic until she began having a series of inner visions and heightened experiences.

Although ACIM uses many Christian words and terms, it is primarily aligned with Eastern mysticism. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as the "Christian Vedanta" or the “Miracle of the Christ.” It also teaches that humankind is in the midst of an immense ego-detachment and that every person has the potential to achieve enlightened consciousness.

Despite its mystical underpinnings, the Course is a surprisingly practical work. The daily lessons in the Workbook provide a step-by-step approach to applying its principles in one's life. It is not uncommon for students to radically alter their values, change their relationships, and even give up careers in order to follow the Course’s principles.

While some might see the Course as just another fad, the truth is that it has had an extraordinary influence in our time. It is difficult to overstate the importance of this spiritual guide, which teaches that love is more powerful and more rational than fear, and that the physical world we perceive as reality is an illusion. It is no wonder that it has had such a profound impact on the minds of so many.