What is a Course in Miracles?

A Course in Miracles is a self-study spiritual thought system combining profound teachings and far-reaching psychological insights. Published in 1976, it has touched the lives of millions of people worldwide. Described by the New York Times as "an esoteric bible that has gone mainstream," a course in miracles has become one of the most influential teachings in the world and a major influence on the growing number of people who identify themselves as spiritual but not religious.

The Course is based on the idea that the world is not as it seems and that there is another way to perceive reality. It teaches forgiveness as the path to peace. The teachings of the Course draw on Christian symbols and ideas, but it is not a religion. It is a non-dual spiritual path that combines many different teachings from many different traditions.

It has no institute, no churches, no formal establishment to rule it and dictate beliefs and practice. It is a spiritual and psychological path and focuses on changing one's perception, mind, and belief systems. It teaches that the greatest miracle is awakening from the dream of separation to the reality of love and peace.

A central theme of the Course is the identification of the ego's attack strategy as sin and the need to forgive it. The Course teaches that this release from the ego allows us to experience the love, freedom, and Oneness of which all religious traditions speak.

In the Course, Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford, two Columbia University psychologists, were seeking a better way to deal with the anger and division they saw in their world. They were tired of blaming each other and others for the problems they saw, so they agreed to find another way. The result was the Course, which came to them through a process of inner dictation beginning in 1965. This lasted for seven years, during which time the entire text of the Course was written down word by word. The authors' names do not appear on the book; instead, Helen and Bill are referred to as scribes and the author is identified as Jesus.
What is a Group Study?

Study groups are a great way to get together with other classmates to work on course material. They can help you stay on track with your assignments, improve your understanding of course materials, and encourage group members to hold each other accountable for their coursework. In addition, they can provide an opportunity to learn from the experience of others and share tips on effective study methods.

If you’re interested in joining a group study, ask your instructor or TA about creating one. Alternatively, you can also use Canvas or Piazza to find classmates with whom to connect. You can also attend class office hours to talk with your professor or GSI and ask them to direct you to other classmates.

When selecting members for your group, make sure to choose people who are reliable and prepared for study sessions. It’s also helpful to select individuals with similar educational goals and intelligence levels. If you’re not comfortable creating your own group, you can join a study group created by a TF or AI, or look for classes that offer group study sessions as part of the curriculum (such as Fast Start and Supplemental Instruction).

Once your group is formed, you can decide on what roles each member will play during your session. For example, you can assign a leader to keep things organized and on track. You can also assign a notetaker to take notes during discussions about terms, concepts, and answers to questions. Finally, you can divide up the workload by determining who will be responsible for reviewing course lectures and reading materials, and who will tackle specific questions or problems that group members encountered while engaging with course materials.

To get the most out of your study group, you should prepare for each session by reading through the assigned materials and preparing questions that you can discuss with your group. It’s important to stay focused and avoid distractions during study group sessions. Ideally, your study group will meet in a quiet place without interruptions such as a library or home. It’s also helpful to have a timer or take turns taking on different roles so that no single person dominates the study session.
What is a Course in Miracles Workbook?

A Course in Miracles is an acclaimed modern spiritual classic that has touched the lives of thousands. First published in 1976, this three-volume set of books has become a modern scripture for millions worldwide. Its teachings have helped many people find peace of mind and release their fear of death. Its profound and practical ideas have changed the way that people see the world, and they have made it possible for them to make changes in their beliefs that will bring more love into their lives.

The goal of A Course in Miracles is to teach us how to forgive the things that seem to cause us pain and suffering. The Course is a self-study spiritual thought system that has three parts: a Text, which lays out the concepts that form the basis of the curriculum; a Workbook for Students, containing 365 daily lessons that emphasize experience over belief in a theology; and a Manual for Teachers, which addresses how to share the Course’s message with others.

Although the Course uses Christian terminology, it is ecumenical in its teachings and states that no one religion is more right than another. The curriculum offers a universal perspective on forgiveness, and it can help us heal relationships with ourselves and others. The Course also teaches us to recognize and release false beliefs that keep us trapped in the illusion of separation and fear.

The Course’s daily lessons are profoundly simple, but it is important to do them in a spirit of willingness and gratitude. The Workbook lessons require no time to read and can be done anywhere, without any special preparation. The most important thing to remember when doing the Workbook is that you are training your mind to perceive differently, and this takes practice. It may be difficult at first, and some of the ideas may not make sense to you at all. The key is to stay with it and do the exercises every day, even if you feel like you aren’t getting anything out of them. The more you do them, the more they will start to make sense.
What is a Course in Miracles Study Group?

A Course in Miracles study group is a place to come together and learn the principles of the ACIM curriculum. It is a non-denominational, non-sectarian group. The teachings are about love and forgiveness, the path to peace and remembrance of God. The study group will meet regularly to read and discuss the material. This is a great way to deepen your understanding and practice of the teachings.

The group studies the materials outlined in the three-volume Course in Miracles Text, Workbook for Students and Manual for Teachers. The questions and answers in the Manual provide additional clarification of the theoretical framework of the Course.

Some groups study the Course alongside other spiritual teachings, while others focus solely on the Course. If a member of the study group does not follow the principle of not interfering with the interests of others in a group, it may be necessary to ask that person to leave the group, depending on the individual’s inner guidance. The decision to expel a student is similar to the decision to discipline a child who does not obey the rules of a household.