A Course in Miracles is a spiritual classic that was dictated by an inner voice to Helen Schucman, a psychology professor at Columbia University. It consists of a Text, Workbook, and Manual for Teachers.

O'Neill's fascination with miracles began in college, when he researched the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe and its many reported miracles. He explores the Church's process for investigating miracle claims and covers every basic category of miracle within the Catholic faith. a course in miracles
What is A Course in Miracles?

Described by the New York Times as “an esoteric bible that has gone mainstream,” A Course in Miracles (ACIM) is a self-study spiritual thought system that offers a unique perspective on reality and human life. Presented in a poetic and mystical language, ACIM is an intellectually sophisticated work that combines spiritual inspiration with a profound understanding of such psychological phenomena as belief and defense systems, perception and identity.

It began with two Columbia University psychologists who were frustrated by the anger and division in their world. They made a decision to find a more fulfilling way of living and, in 1965, Helen Schucman experienced an inner dictation that began with the words, “This is a course in miracles. Please take notes.” The three-volume set of books that emerged from this process, first published in 1976, has sold without paid advertising to men and women from all walks of life and every major religion.

While the Course uses Christian terminology, it is not a religion and makes clear that there are many thousands of spiritual paths which all lead to God in the end. The Course is a restatement of the core wisdom of every world religion and emphasizes experience over belief in a theology.

Trained as an investigative journalist, Patrick has written on the subjects of spirituality, human potential, and creativity for a dozen print and online journals and magazines. He has also studied and applied spiritual principles and disciplines intensively in his own life, writing about the results. He is the author of a dozen print and e-books, including A Course in Miracles, The Enneagram System of Personality, and Psychic Healing.
What are the Teachings?

The Course is a self-study spiritual thought system presented in three books: the Text, the Workbook for Students, and the Manual for Teachers. It was supposedly dictated to Helen Schucman, a Columbia University psychology professor, from 1965 to 1972, and claimed to be the words of Jesus Christ. While the authorship is controversial, skeptics have found that the text unquestionably makes a rational case for its ideas.

The Course's teachings posit that reality is a manifestation of God's love for all. It describes the world as a place of unity, forgiveness and abundance, where evil and sin are misperceptions and need not be judged or punished. It teaches that the goal of life is to remember the truth of who we are, and that forgiveness is the means by which this memory can be found.

A major emphasis of the Course is the practice of forgiveness. Its central idea is that a person's real problems stem from their unhealed feelings of anger, hate, fear, guilt and shame, which are the result of the ego's need to control the world and other people. The Course teaches that these unhealed emotions can be changed by learning to forgive, and by applying the principle of forgiveness to oneself, to others and ultimately to the world.

Although the Course uses Christian language, focusing on concepts such as the Holy Spirit, Atonement and Christ, it is not a religion and does not claim to be the only way. Its ecumenical approach and reliance on experiential rather than theological understanding make it different from most Western religious traditions. Its content is more akin to the Eastern philosophy of non-duality, particularly the Vedanta philosophy laid out in the Upanishads of India.

The use of Christian terminology may confuse and deceive those who come to the Course with preconceptions of Christianity, and this has led some churches to mistakenly adopt the Course as part of their religious teachings. Consequently, Christians who study the Course should do so with care and caution to avoid damaging their religious beliefs and practices. A good place to start is with a thorough study of the text, particularly the Workbook for Students.
What are the Benefits?

A Course in Miracles (ACIM) has inspired countless people to create lives based in love and forgiveness rather than anxiety and blame. It is one of the most influential spiritual texts in history, but it can also be confusing and difficult to read. Many long-time students have found that the lofty promises of this remarkable book don’t always produce the results they expect. This can be discouraging, especially for those who have devoted much of their lives to studying the Course.

Despite its difficulty and obscurity, ACIM has profoundly touched the lives of millions of people. It has gained a following among people of all walks of life, religious backgrounds, and cultures, and is often described as a modern-day spiritual bible. It is credited with helping many people discover true happiness and freedom from the pain of living in a troubled world.

Its enduring popularity and influence stem from the fact that it is a universally applicable spiritual text that addresses the core issues of human suffering. It also teaches that the only way to find lasting peace is through forgiveness of all others and ourselves. In doing so, it is hoped that this teaching will transform the world’s culture of fear and anger into a culture of love and compassion.

The origins of the Course in Miracles are somewhat mysterious. It was received by Helen Schucman through a process of inner dictation, beginning in 1965. It was spelled out by an inner voice to her, then typed on a daily basis by William Thetford, with the bulky text being accompanied by the Workbook (365 daily lessons) and a Manual for Teachers. No author is named, though it is believed that the voice spoke in the voice of Jesus.

It is not a religion, but it uses Christian terminology and describes itself as an extension of Christ’s teachings. It is ecumenical in its approach, and teaches that forgiveness is the only path to true happiness.

If you are interested in learning more about this extraordinary work, we recommend that you join us for an online class led by Alan Cohen. He is an expert in the course and will help you understand its big-picture themes, demystify its most challenging passages, and shift your identity at the core.
What is the Cost?

A Course in Miracles, or ACIM, is a universal curriculum designed to help spiritual seekers experience the miracle of love and peace. The course consists of four volumes: the Text, Workbook for Students, Manual for Teachers, and Supplements. Each volume offers profound teachings and practical, step-by-step guidance. Developed by psychologist Helen Schucman, the curriculum is both an academic and spiritual masterpiece.

The course rose to prominence when author, activist, and spiritual leader Marianne Williamson discussed it on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1992. Since then, the life-changing curriculum has impacted the lives of millions of people worldwide.

While some critics point to the cult-like aspects of A Course in Miracles, others say it is simply a way of refocusing one’s perspective and awakening to the reality that all things are possible. But it is important to note that ACIM does not claim to be the only path to enlightenment, and that it offers only one way of thinking about God and the universe.

In addition to providing a new way of viewing the world, A Course in Miracles teaches that the true nature of happiness is an inner experience. It is not about getting what you want or having things be a certain way, but rather about being aware of the love and peace that is everywhere present. It is this awareness that enables you to live in a state of happiness, regardless of your situation.

Aside from its spiritual and philosophical perspectives, A Course in Miracles also teaches that it is important to remember that everything is a gift from the divine. It is a blessing to be here, and it is up to each of us to choose whether we want to be happy.

Aside from a number of online study groups and workshops, there are also many local ACIM support groups that meet regularly. These groups can provide a great opportunity to discuss the material and get help in applying it to your daily life. If you are interested in finding a group near you, contact the ACIM community.