A Course in Miracles - Author: Pamela Whitman

Posted by seomypassion12 on June 5th, 2023

Pamela Whitman, a minister in the Course in Miracles Society, has been studying ACIM since 1989 and is a teacher of the course at Unity by the Shore. She also facilitates the daily and weekly international ACIM conference calls. She is also a flute soloist and speaker at New Thought churches along the East Coast.

What is A Course in Miracles (ACIM)?

During the decade after its un curso de milagros publication in 1976, three million copies of A Course in Miracles were sold without paid advertising to men and women from every walk of life and all major religions. A self-study system of'spiritual psychology,' the 1250-page, three volume set combines profound spiritual teachings with far-reaching and practical psychological insights.

Its language is poetic and written in blank verse, earning it comparisons with some of the world's great literature. Its thought system is intellectually sophisticated, combining spiritual inspiration with deep understanding of concepts like belief and defense systems, perception and identity. Its premise is that the greatest miracle is a full awareness of love's presence in our lives.

Helen Schucman, the author of A Course in Miracles, had a series of inner visions and psychic experiences that led to her being told to write down what she was hearing. She dedicated ten years of her time to this project. A Course in Miracles has become a modern spiritual classic and scripture for many people.

While the text speaks in Christian terms, it is ecumenical and makes no claim to being the only way to God. In fact, it states that "a universal theology is impossible, but a universal experience is not only possible but necessary."

Rev. Pamela Whitman is an ordained ACIM minister who teaches the Course at Unity by the Shore in Neptune, NJ and via international daily ACIM conference calls and annual retreats. She also facilitates the weekly international ACIM Zoom study groups and serves as a guest speaker and flute soloist at New Thought Churches on the East Coast. She has been a devoted student of the Course since 1989.
Why Study ACIM?

The Course is not for everyone. It states at several points that it is only one path among thousands that will lead to God, and that other paths are equally valid. Nevertheless, the Course is the most successful channeled work of the last century. The Course has been read, studied and practiced by tens of millions of people worldwide.

It is also the most controversial spiritual book ever published. This is primarily because it challenges much of what most people consider to be religious doctrine. For example, it explains that Jesus did not die on the cross to pay for sins and that all of us have access to unlimited power that is available within our own minds.

Despite these challenges, the Course has continued to gain followers worldwide. As a result, many organizations have formed to perform various functions. These include the Foundation for Inner Peace, which holds the copyrights to the Course; Miracle Life, Inc., which publishes Course -related materials and hosts conferences; and Miracle Distribution Center, which oversees the international network of study groups.

These organizations help to facilitate the study of ACIM and to support the growth and effectiveness of individuals and groups on the Course journey. However, it is important to remember that the goal of studying the Course is not to find a group or leader to study with, but rather to develop a direct connection to your own Inner Guidance (M.9.1:5).

While it is helpful to learn ACIM concepts and terminology, this can only take you so far on the journey. It is essential to delve into the practice of applying these principles to your daily life. This is why the Course curriculum includes both text and workbook.

As the manual for teachers states, "There is no one best way to study the Course." The only requirement is that you make the choice to open yourself to receive the guidance of your own Inner Teacher. This is what will ultimately bring you to the full realization of the peace and happiness that the Course promises.
The Structure of ACIM

The Course is a self-study spiritual thought system that uses Christian terminology, yet it evokes universal, non-dual religious themes. It is not a religion, although it does teach that "a universal theology is impossible, but a universal experience is not only possible, but necessary."

It requires a complete reversal of ordinary perception, accepting that spirit is reality and that the physical world is a mass illusion (similar to Buddhist concepts of samsara and maya). The Course also stresses forgiveness as a moment-by-moment practice to transform attitudes and relationships. Its unified perspective on love and truth makes it unlike any other spiritual teaching.

Helen Schuckett had a series of mystical experiences that culminated in the fall of 1965 when an inner voice asked her to take down a curriculum that would lead to forgiveness and the healing of the world. The result was A Course in Miracles, which has become a modern spiritual classic and has been translated into more than 30 languages.

Although the Course can be studied by oneself, it was written with the intention of having groups of students study and discuss it together. There are currently a number of ACIM discussion groups worldwide, both in-person and online, as well as an internet-based ecumenical forum where members share their interpretations and insights about the Course's lessons.

Those who are new to ACIM can find it helpful to join one of these groups to get an overview of the material and help them feel comfortable with the language and terminology used in the text. Many of these discussion groups also offer workshops and retreats to help those interested deepen their understanding of the Course.

In addition to discussion groups, the Foundation for Inner Peace offers a number of other courses and resources that can help you learn about and understand ACIM. The most comprehensive resource is the Book of Instructions, a collection of texts taken from the Course that gives an explanation of its principles and provides answers to common questions. This is also available in an audio version. Another helpful resource is the Manual for Teachers, which explains how to use and teach the Course's lessons.
How to Study ACIM

In a world where many people feel lost, isolated and alienated from their true selves, it is important to know that there is another way. A Course in Miracles is one of those ways and it is accessible to everyone. This self-study system of "spiritual psychology" combines profound spiritual teachings with far-reaching psychological insights. It has impacted more than a million lives since its publication in 1976.

Its three separate books—the Text, the Workbook for Students and the Manual for Teachers—are arranged so that they can be read in any order and can stand on their own. As with any spiritual study, the process is individualized. You may choose to read the entire Course in a year or two, or you may read it more slowly. Some choose to read only the first fifty lessons or a few chapters at a time, and some prefer to focus on a particular section of the book.

The first step is to buy a copy of the Course. While there are online versions, many people find that having the physical book is helpful in their study. Once you have a copy of the Course, sit in silence and ask, "where do I want to start?" Feel for the answer more than think it. It will come as a knowing from deep within, and it is important to follow this guidance.

Once you have started studying the Course, it is important to continue with daily practice of forgiveness and to meditate on its teachings. Fortunately, there are many ways to participate in ACIM practices and many groups to join to help support your journey.

Rev. Gilda Slade is a long-time attendee of Unity of Tampa and a passionate student of A Course in Miracles. She believes that ACIM has saved her life and continues to apply its tools every day. She currently leads the weekly international ACIM conference calls and serves as a guest speaker and flute soloist at New Thought churches on the East Coast.

Rev. Mary Budenholzer and Elijah Craft are talented and insightful St. Louis based ACIM students who will lead this evening’s discussion. They will provide insight into the shifting perspectives covered in this classic twentieth century spiritual text and how they relate to healing family relationships.