Described by the New York Times in 2020 as an “esoteric bible that has gone mainstream,” A Course in Miracles is one of the most widely embraced spiritual teachings, especially among people who identify as spiritual but not religious. Its combination of reinterpreted Christian language, modern psychology, and Eastern metaphysics is groundbreaking.
What is ACIM?

ACIM could be considered the Bible of the “spiritual but not religious” movement that has grown dramatically in recent decades. Its unique blend of reinterpreted Christian language, modern psychological insights, and Eastern metaphysics makes it a completely different kind of spiritual teaching than the world has ever known.

ACIM emphasizes forgiveness as a moment-by-moment practice that transforms attitudes and relationships. It also urges a total reversal of ordinary perception, accepting spirit as the only reality and the physical world as a mass illusion (similar to the Buddhist and Hindu concepts of samsara and maya).

The Course has become so popular that it now appears in over 26 different translations, but its standard edition remains the best seller. It has inspired a wide range of other books and teachers, such as Marianne Williamson, Eckhart Tolle, and Gabrielle Bernstein. Its message of love and forgiveness resonates in a culture that is increasingly turning away from religion and toward spirituality. It is a profound and powerful teaching, but one that many people find difficult to understand or follow on their own.
What is the purpose of ACIM?

A Course in Miracles is the spiritual bible of the "spiritual but not religious" movement that has emerged over the last few decades. Its heady mix of reinterpreted Christian language, modern psychological thought, and Eastern metaphysics makes it unlike anything the world has seen before -- but its followers have a hard time quantifying their numbers because so few can read the book or keep up with its demanding Workbook of 365 daily lessons.

Many well-known spiritual teachers, such as Marianne Williamson and Eckhart Tolle, have incorporated its ideas without being formally identified as students of ACIM. Its central idea, a radical reversal of ordinary perception to see the physical universe as a mass illusion (similar to the Buddhist and Hindu notions of maya and samsara), has given it its own unique following. Since its 1976 publication, sales of the Standard edition have increased steadily and it continues to be a best seller worldwide. acim
What is the meaning of ACIM?

A Course in Miracles is a profound spiritual teaching that offers profound psychological insights. It encourages forgiveness and urges a reversal of perception, seeing the physical world as a massive illusion (similar to the Buddhist concepts of samsara and maya). It is self-study and requires disciplined practice through its Workbook of 365 daily lessons. Its heady mix of reinterpreted Christian language, modern psychological ideas, and Eastern metaphysics makes it a unique and different kind of spiritual teaching. It has become a major influence on the increasing number of people who identify as "spiritual but not religious."

While the Course uses Christian terminology, its metaphysics are closer to Eastern mysticism and yogic philosophy than traditional Western religion. Moreover, it directly challenges several key elements of Christianity, including the doctrines of sin and the crucifixion. Despite these challenges, the Course has achieved a sustained following. It has sold over three million copies worldwide, and its standard edition maintains a steady annual sales pace. Several alternate editions are also available, though none have reached the popularity of the Standard Edition.
What is the practice of ACIM?

For those who decide to take on ACIM as a spiritual discipline, it presents a profound self-study curriculum combining deeply mystical teachings with far-reaching psychological insights. A Course in Miracles has touched the lives of millions worldwide. Its heady mix of reinterpreted Christian language, modern psychology, and Eastern metaphysics makes it unlike any other spiritual teaching the world has ever known.

Its most distinctive feature is its relentless emphasis on forgiveness as a daily practice that transforms attitudes and behavior. It also challenges many traditional ideas of Christianity, particularly its concept of sin and crucifixion. Its metaphysics, however, are closer to Hindu and Buddhist notions of samsara and maya, which designate the physical world as a massive illusion (much like a dream).

The Course requires such an intense commitment that most students sooner or later join a study group or one of the accredited churches inspired by it. Helen Schucman guarded her anonymity as author throughout her life for the same reason that she purported to receive the text from a higher spirit: She did not want her own ego to corrupt her connection to the divine message.

Choose Again can support you in your study of the Course through its therapy services and a range of free resources, including ACIM Text Made Simple and Daily Lesson Insights. We also offer an ACIM Practice Group course that provides structure, guidance and a cohort of peers to assist you on your spiritual journey. For more information, click here. Whether you are new to ACIM or an experienced student, it is always helpful to have access to multiple maps that afford experiences of the same territory (i.e., higher mind, universal consciousness, Oneness, etc).